Abstract:

A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a
media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for
alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are
accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record
of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content
alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of
secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content
incorporated in a derivative version. Various exemplary techniques may be
used to provide audio and/or visual substitution options in a derivative
version of the media work in accordance with applicable alteration
guidelines.

Claims:

1. A method of implementing authorized content alteration in a media work,
comprising:identifying a composite media work having a constituent
component configured to include one or more optional visual
elements;obtaining specified optional visual content that is confirmed to
be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines for incorporation
in a derivative version of the composite media work;submitting status
information to a designated data record regarding the confirmed
compliance; andincorporating the specified optional visual content in the
constituent component of the composite media work.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said incorporating the specified optional
visual content includes:incorporating one or more of the obtained types
of specified optional visual content as an addition to existing visual
content in the constituent component.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein said incorporating the specified optional
visual content includes:incorporating one or more of the obtained types
of specified optional visual content as a modification of existing visual
content in the constituent component

5. The method of claim 2 wherein said incorporating the specified optional
visual content includes:incorporating one or more of the obtained types
of specified optional visual content as replacement for existing visual
content in the constituent component.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified optional
visual content includes:implementing an addition to existing visual
content in the constituent component of the composite media work.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified optional
visual content includes:implementing a modification of existing visual
content in the constituent component of the composite media work.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified
optional visual content includes:implementing a replacement of existing
visual content in the constituent component of the composite media work.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified
optional visual content includes:implementing a deletion of existing
visual content in the constituent component of the composite media work.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified optional visual
content includes:obtaining a group of related optional visual content
elements capable of collective incorporation in the constituent
component.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said obtaining a group of related
optional visual content elements includes:obtaining a default set of
related optional visual content elements that are confirmed to be in
compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said obtaining a group of related
optional visual content elements includes:obtaining one or more
replacement sets of alternative visual content elements that are
confirmed to be in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:providing a selection of
either the default set or at least one of the replacement sets for
incorporation in a particular derivative work.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said providing a selection
includes:enabling a user-activated selection of either the default set or
at least one of the replacement sets to be incorporated in the derivative
version.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said providing a selection
includes:enabling an automatic or programmed selection of either the
default set or at least one of the replacement sets to be incorporated in
the derivative version.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said enabling an automatic or
programmed selection includes:enabling an automatic or programmed
selection based on one or more of the following parameters for the
derivative version: targeted audience, targeted device, distribution
channel, media format, temporal viewing period, playback, replay,
playback device configuration, viewer history, viewer request, viewer
demographics, third party request, third party annotation, compensation
arrangement.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising:confirming compliance with a
requirement for payment, compensation or other consideration owed in
connection with incorporating the specified optional visual content in
the constituent component.

25. The method of claim 1 further comprising:maintaining a record of
secondary authorization rights applicable to the specified optional
visual content incorporated in the constituent component.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising:providing access to the
designated data record of the submitted status information regarding the
confirmed compliance.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified
optional visual content includes:incorporating a group of one or more
identical or similar visual content elements in different scenes of the
derivative version.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified
optional visual content includes:incorporating a group of one or more of
the same visual content elements in different settings of the derivative
version.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified optional visual
content includes:obtaining one or more optional visual displays that
include alphanumeric characters or symbols.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the specified
optional visual content includes:making an addition or modification or
replacement or deletion to one or more of the following types of existing
visual content in the constituent component: visual displays that include
alphanumeric characters or symbols.

35. A system for implementing visual content alteration of a media work,
comprising:a composite media work having a constituent component
configured to include one or more optional visual elements;a capture
device having a capability to obtain specified optional visual content
confirmed to be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines
regarding possible visual content alteration of the composite media
work;an editor module operatively coupled to the capture device and
configured to incorporate the specified optional visual content in a
derivative version of the composite media work; anda data record of
status information regarding the confirmed compliance with the applicable
alteration guidelines.

36. A computer program product comprising one or more computer programs
including instructions encoded on computer readable media to execute the
following process:identifying a composite media work having a constituent
component configured to include one or more optional visual
elements;obtaining specified optional visual content confirmed to be in
compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding possible
visual content alteration of the composite media work;incorporating the
specified optional visual content in a derivative version of the
composite media work; andmaintaining a data record of status information
regarding the confirmed compliance with the applicable alteration
guidelines.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the
earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications
or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent
applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,
etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/807,350 entitled IMPLEMENTING GROUP CONTENT SUBSTITUTION IN
MEDIA WORKS, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.
Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith,
John D. Rinaldo, Jr. and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 25 May
2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a
currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date.

[0003]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled IMPLEMENTING AUDIO SUBSTITUTION OPTIONS IN MEDIA
WORKS, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,
Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D.
Rinaldo, Jr. and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed concurrently
herewith on ______ May 2008, Attorney Docket 0506-003-013-00000, which is
currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0004]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled VISUAL SUBSTITUTION OPTIONS IN MEDIA WORKS,
naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.
Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed on 27 May 2008, Attorney
Docket 0506-003-006-00000, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0005]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled AUDIO SUBSTITUTION OPTIONS IN MEDIA WORKS,
naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.
Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed concurrently herewith on 27
May 2008, Attorney Docket 0506-003-005-00000, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0006]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/807,352 entitled GROUP CONTENT SUBSTITUTION IN MEDIA WORKS,
naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.
Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 25 May 2007, which is
currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0007]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/824,515 entitled ALTERATION OF PROMOTIONAL CONTENT IN MEDIA
WORKS, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,
Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D.
Rinaldo, Jr. and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 29 Jun. 2007,
which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0008]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/807,353 entitled PROMOTIONAL PLACEMENT IN MEDIA WORKS, naming
Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord,
Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr. and
Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 25 May 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0009]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/796,543 entitled IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDIA CONTENT ALTERATION,
naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.
Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 27 Apr. 2007, which is
currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0010]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/796,570 entitled AUTHORIZATION RIGHTS FOR SUBSTITUTE MEDIA
CONTENT, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,
Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D.
Rinaldo, Jr. and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 26 Apr. 2007,
which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0011]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/731,795 entitled AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDIA CONTENT ALTERATION,
naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.
Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 30 Mar. 2007, which is
currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0012]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/731,738 entitled APPROVAL TECHNIQUE FOR MEDIA CONTENT
ALTERATION, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.
Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith,
John D. Rinaldo, Jr. and Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, filed 30 Mar.
2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a
currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date.

[0013]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/195,358 entitled MODIFYING RESTRICTED IMAGES, naming Royce A.
Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as
inventors, filed 2 Aug. 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0014]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/195,346 entitled RESTORING MODIFIED ASSETS, naming Royce A.
Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as
inventors, filed 2 Aug. 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0015]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/173,990 entitled TECHNIQUES FOR IMAGE GENERATION, naming
Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud and John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
as inventors, filed 1 Jul. 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0016]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/174,432 entitled PROVIDING PROMOTIONAL CONTENT, naming Royce
A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as
inventors, filed 1 Jul. 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0017]The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to
the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent
applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an
application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin,
Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003,
available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The
present Applicant Entity (hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a
specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is
unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require
either a serial number or any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that
the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and
hence Applicant is designating the present application as a
continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but
expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in
any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter
of its parent application(s).

[0018]All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

BACKGROUND

[0019]Content alteration of media works provides new opportunities and
benefits in connection with the distribution of various derivative
versions of an original work.

SUMMARY

[0020]Method and system embodiments involving implementation of content
alteration in a media work as disclosed herein may take different forms.
For example, one or more computer program products having process
instructions encoded on computer-readable media may be incorporated in a
computerized system.

[0021]An exemplary system embodiment for implementing visual content
alteration of a media work may include a composite media work having a
constituent component configured to include one or more optional visual
elements, a capture device having a capability to obtain specified
optional visual content confirmed to be in compliance with applicable
alteration guidelines regarding possible visual content alteration of the
composite media work, and an editor module operatively coupled to the
capture device and configured to incorporate the specified optional
visual content in a derivative version of the composite media work. A
related exemplary system feature may include a data record of status
information regarding the confirmed compliance with the applicable
alteration guidelines.

[0022]An exemplary process embodiment for implementing authorized content
alteration in a media work may include identifying a composite media work
having a constituent component configured to include one or more optional
visual elements, obtaining specified optional visual content that is
confirmed to be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines for
incorporation in a derivative version of the composite media work,
submitting status information to a designated data record regarding the
confirmed compliance, and incorporating the specified optional visual
content in the constituent component of the composite media work.

[0023]An exemplary computer program product embodiment may include
instructions encoded on computer readable media to execute a process that
includes identifying a composite media work having a constituent
component configured to include one or more optional visual elements,
obtaining specified optional visual content confirmed to be in compliance
with applicable alteration guidelines regarding possible visual content
alteration of the composite media work, and incorporating the specified
optional visual content in a derivative version of the composite media
work. A related exemplary process component may include maintaining a
data record of status information regarding the confirmed compliance with
the applicable alteration guidelines.

[0024]Some implementations for a computer program embodiment may include
process instructions encoded on computer readable media including a
storage medium and/or a communication medium.

[0025]The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be
in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects,
embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,
and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026]FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may be
implemented, perhaps in a device.

[0085]In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed
description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other
embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0086]FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may be
implemented, perhaps in the context of a device. In FIG. 1, a media asset
102 is illustrated as being received at a processing system 104 and
thereafter output by the processing system 104 as a modified media asset
106. More specifically, the media asset 102 includes a restricted image
108, and the processing system 104 is operable to determine that the
restricted image 108 is, in fact, restricted.

[0087]The processing system 104 is further operable to modify the media
asset 102, and in particular, to modify the restricted image 108, and
thereafter output the modified media asset 106 having a modified image
110. In this way, for example, an identity or other information about the
restricted image 108 may be protected, hidden, or obscured, while
maintaining a general presentation context of the media asset 102. For
example, a person who is a subject of the restricted image 108 may be
made anonymous within the modified media asset 106, while inclusion of
the modified image 110, which shares attributes of the restricted image
108 (or, at least, shares one common attribute of the restricted image
108), may serve to limit or prevent an observer of the modified media
asset 106 from noticing that the modified media asset 110, has, in fact,
been modified.

[0088]The processing system 104 includes recognition logic 112 that is
operable to recognize the restricted nature of the restricted image 108.
The processing system 104 also includes modification logic 114 that is
operable to modify the media asset 102 (including the restricted image
108) to obtain the modified media asset 106 and the modified image 110.

[0089]As described in more detail below, the recognition logic 112 may
determine the restricted image 108 within the media asset 102 using image
restriction criteria 116. As also described in more detail below, the
modification logic 114 may obtain/create the modified image 110 by
accessing a number of stored or accessible replacement images 118.
Specific examples of operations involving these elements of the
processing system 104 are provided in the context of various operational
flows.

[0090]Generally speaking, however, the recognition logic 112 may operate
to analyze various attributes of the media asset 102, including
attributes of the restricted image 108, in order to determine a
restricted nature of the restricted image 108. One example of attributes
of the media asset 102 that is illustrated in FIG. 1 includes concurrent
image(s) 120, i.e., the recognition logic 112 may make a determination
that the restricted image 108 is restricted based on a presence or
absence of the concurrent image(s) 120, or based on the presence or
absence of certain attributes of the concurrent image(s) 120. Of course,
attributes of the media asset 102 are not necessarily limited to image
characteristics of the media asset 102, and also may include, for
example, metadata associated with the media asset 102, an identity of a
person, place, or thing within or in association with the restricted
image 108, or information related to a person and/or device involved in
capturing the media asset 102.

[0091]Further in FIG. 1, a user 122 accesses the processing system 104 by
way of a user interface 124. In this way, the user 122 may, for example,
submit the media asset 102 to the processing system 104, or receive the
modified media asset 106 from the processing system 104, or may become
involved in operations of the processing system 104. The user interface
124 also may be used, for example, to define or modify the image
restriction criteria 116, or to select the replacement images 118. The
user interface 124 also may be used to control a type and/or extent of
the recognition performed by the recognition logic 112, or to control a
type and/or extent of the modifications performed by the modification
logic 114.

[0092]Also in FIG. 1, a device 126 is shown in which the processing system
104 may operate. As described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2 and
following Figures, the device 126 may include in some examples, an image
capture device, a print device, a general-purpose computing device, or
virtually any other device or combination of devices that may be used to
store, transmit, display, or render a media asset.

[0093]The processing system 104 also may be operable to perform other
processing of the media asset 102, such as, for example, enhancing,
editing, displaying, or otherwise improving the media asset 102, or, in
other example embodiments, such additional processing may be performed by
other external systems (not shown), if needed.

[0094]FIG. 1 also illustrates the possibility that the media asset 102 may
be associated with metadata 128. For example, a video stream may have an
associated closed-captioning stream, or a web page may have metadata
associated with content of the page. Typically, such metadata 128 may not
be viewable to the user 122, or may only be viewable if some specific
action is taken by the user 122. The metadata 128 may be intended by a
designer or producer of the media asset 102, or by an intervening user of
the media asset 102, to provide additional information or level of
enjoyment to the user 122, and may be used by the processing system to
assist in, for example, determining the restricted image 108, as
described in more detail, below. The metadata 128 may or may not be
included within the modified media asset 106.

[0095]A symbol or text 130, on the other hand, generally represents
information that is included within the media asset 102 for normal
viewing. For example, a web page may include a news article that names a
person who is pictured in the article. By using the name text, the
recognition logic 112 may be able to determine identity or other
information regarding the restricted image 108, or the concurrent
image(s) 120.

[0096]In FIG. 1, it should be understood that any and/or all of the
illustrated elements, and other elements, not illustrated, may be in
communication with one another according to any known methods, including
but not limited to the various communication techniques discussed herein.
As such, it should be understood that the various elements need not be
located or co-located as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. For
example, in some embodiments, the recognition logic and/or the image
restriction criteria 116 may be remote from the processing system 104.
Similarly, the user interface 124 may be implemented at a local computing
device of the user 122, remote from the processing system 104, or may be
a part of the device 126 that may house the processing system 104, as
well.

[0097]FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate certain alternative embodiments of the device
126 and/or processing system 104 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, the device 126 is
illustrated as a printer 126a, which includes the processing system 104
and a display 202. The display 202 may be used to display a preview of a
media asset to be printed with the printer 126a, such as, for example,
the media asset 102 and/or the modified media asset 106, and, of course,
the printer 126a may be used to print the media asset 102 and/or the
modified media asset 106 on paper 204, as well.

[0098]The display 202 also should be understood to function, in some
example embodiments, as the user interface 124. For example, the display
202 may include touch-screen control for operating the printer 126a
and/or the processing system 104, or various buttons, keys, or other
selection/input devices (not shown) may be used. In additional or
alternative embodiments, an external computing device may be connected to
the printer 126a for control thereof, including control of the processing
system 104.

[0099]In FIG. 2B, the device 126 is illustrated as a camera 126b, which,
similarly to the printer 126a, includes some or all of the processing
system 104, as well as a display 206. As with the printer 126a, the
camera 126b (and/or the processing system 104) may be controlled by the
user 122, either using the display 206 (and possibly associated
controls), or using an external computing device.

[0100]In FIG. 2C, the processing system 104 is illustrated as part of a
processing service 208, which may be remote from the user 122 at a
computing station 210, and in communication therewith by way of a network
212. In such example embodiments, the user 122 may use the workstation
210 to transmit and receive the media asset 102 and/or the modified media
asset 106, respectively, in order to obtain the various advantages
described herein. In one example, discussed in more detail below, the
processing service 208 may operate as a clearinghouse at which media
assets of various types and captured by a number of users may be
processed, so that any restricted images therein may be modified
appropriately.

[0101]In FIG. 3 and in following Figures that include various examples of
operational flows, discussion and explanation may be provided with
respect to the above-described examples of FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C,
and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operational flows may be executed in a number of
other environment and contexts, and/or in modified versions of FIGS. 1,
2A, 2B, and 2C. Also, although the various operational flows are
presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that
the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which
are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

[0102]FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow 300 representing example
operations that produce the modified media asset 106. After a start
operation, the operational flow 300 moves to a determining operation 310
where the restricted image 108 is determined to be included within the
media asset 102. For example, the recognition logic 112 of the processing
system 104 may determine that the restricted image 108 is of a person,
place, or thing that is not to be included within produced (modified)
versions of the media asset 102.

[0103]At a modifying operation 320, the restricted image 108 is modified
to obtain a modified image that includes at least one shared image
attribute of the restricted image. For example, as in FIG. 1, the
modification logic 114 may operate to replace an image of a person or a
part of a person with a new or separate image of another person. In this
case, the shared image attribute could include one or more of a body
(part) shape, a shared facial feature or skin tone, a shared gender or
race, a shared hair color or body physique, or numerous other examples.
Of course, the restricted image need not be of a person, but also may
include virtually any object that may be imaged, including places,
objects, or landmarks, to name just a few. Further, the restricted image
need not be of a single one of these possibilities, but could include
multiple people, places, or things, or combinations thereof. Other
examples of restricted images and image attributes are provided below.

[0104]At an operation 330, the modified media asset 106 is produced that
includes the modified image 110. For example, the processing system 104,
which may be included in the print device 126a, the camera 126b, or the
processing service 208, may output the modified media asset 106 for
printing, viewing, storing, or transmitting, as the case may be, for use
or enjoyment by, for example, the user 122. The operational flow 300 then
moves to an end operation.

[0105]In some embodiments, the user 122 may include a person, an entity,
and/or a government. Although a user may be shown herein as a single
illustrated Figure, and/or be described in the singular, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the term user may be representative of one
or more human user(s), robotic user(s) (e.g., computational entity),
and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user may be
assisted by one or more robotic agents). Further, the user, as set forth
herein, even if shown as a single entity, may in fact be composed of two
or more entities. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in
general, the same may be said of "sender" and/or other entity-oriented
terms as such terms may be used herein.

[0106]In some embodiments, the media asset 102 may include a visual image,
a picture, a website, an audio recording, a video stream, and/or an audio
stream. In additional or alternative embodiments, the media asset 102
also may include text. The media asset 102 may be embodied in various
forms, including but not limited to digital files or transmissions,
analog recordings or transmissions, or may be embodied in physical form,
such as, for example, on paper, plastic, canvas, wood, or any other
physical medium in which text, image, or other representations may be
embodied.

[0107]The media asset 102 may be received, stored and/or transmitted using
typical elements of a computer environment. The media asset 102 (and the
modified media asset 106) may be transmitted over a network such as the
network 212 of FIG. 2, which may represent, for example, a local area
network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a peer-to-peer (P2P)
network, or the media asset 102 may be broadcast over the air.

[0108]The media asset 102 (and the modified media asset 106) may be
captured, received, displayed and/or transmitted, for example and without
limitation, using one or more of the following: an electronic device; an
appliance; a computing device, such as a personal computer and a server;
a limited resource computing device; a pervasive computing device; a
personal digital assistant (PDA); a cell phone; a Blackberry appliance; a
vehicle, such as a car, boat, and/or aircraft; an X-Box; a home gateway;
a set-top box; a television, a radio, a camera; a printer; a digital
video disc (DVD) recorder or burner; and a TiVo or other digital video
recorder (DVR).

[0110]At the operation 402, identity information associated with the
restricted image 108 is determined. For example, the recognition logic
112 may determine identity information of a person within the restricted
image information, which may include, for example, a name, an occupation,
an association (e.g., as a spouse, relative, friend, or
employer/employee), a race, a gender, a body physique, a height, a hair
color or hair style, a style of dress, or any other distinguishing
information that identifies the person, and, in some examples, that
uniquely identifies the person.

[0111]Examples of techniques for performing the determining of identity
information are described in more detail below. Also, examples of how
such identity information may be used by the modification logic 114 to
produce the modified image 110 are described in more detail below,
although it may be mentioned here that, by determining identity
information as described above, it follows that the modified image 110
may include or be associated with different identity information. For
example, a person associated with the restricted image 108 may wish to
remain anonymous, or otherwise should not be included in the media asset
102, and, in such cases, the modified image 110 may include an anonymized
image in which the original identity information is hidden, obscured,
replaced, and/or otherwise modified.

[0112]Additionally, since the modified image 110 maintains at least one,
and possibly many, image attributes of the restricted image 108, and a
presentation context of the media asset 102 may be maintained within the
modified media asset 110, observers, users, or recipients of the modified
media asset 110 may not be aware that such modification has, in fact,
taken place.

[0113]Of course, similar comments apply not just to persons within the
restricted image 108, but to virtually any object that may be imaged and
associated with identity information. For example, the restricted image
108 may include a physical place, such as a public or private landmark, a
building, or a sports arena, and the identity information associated
therewith may be determined by the recognition logic 112. Similarly, any
particular object having identity information, such as, for example, a
car or type of car, a work of art, an animal, a computer or computing
device, a piece of jewelry or clothing, or any other object, may have
identity information associated therewith for determining that the
associated image is restricted.

[0114]At the operation 404, at least a portion of the media asset 102 is
associated with a user capture device used to capture the media asset,
such as, for example, the camera 126b of FIG. 2. That is, for example,
the recognition logic 112 may determine that the media asset 102 was
captured by the camera 126b that is restricted from capturing certain
images. For example, cameras in a high-security facility, or cameras at
an event with a public figure(s) (e.g., a movie star, politician, or
professional athlete) may be restricted from capturing images of certain
people, places, or things.

[0115]At the operation 406, at least a portion of the media asset 102 is
associated with a user known to have captured the media asset. In this
case, as described in more detail below, the recognition logic 112 may
associate the media asset 102 or a portion thereof with the user 122 by
recognizing the metadata 128 associated with the media asset 102, such
as, for example, a marker on the media asset 102 that was imposed by a
camera of the user 122 when (or after) the media asset was obtained. In
other examples, the user 122 may be required to identify him or herself
to the processing system 104 before processing begins, so that the
recognition logic 112 may react accordingly.

[0116]At the operation 408, at least a portion of the media asset 102 is
associated with a setting content of the image. For example, the
concurrent image(s) 120 of FIG. 1 may be considered to provide setting
content within the media asset 102. In this way, for example, and as
referenced above, media assets obtained in a certain location, as
reflected within the content of the media asset 102, may be recognized by
the recognition logic 112 as containing one or more restricted images. As
with virtually all of the operational flows described herein, such an
association may be combined for enactment within the recognition logic
112. For example, the recognition logic 112 may determine that if a
content setting of the media asset 102 references a setting where certain
public figures will be present, and if identity information associated
with a person's image within the media asset 102 identifies that person
as being a spouse of a public figure, then the recognition logic 112 may
cue the modification logic to anonymize the spouse's image by, for
example, replacing the spouse's image with that of a replacement image
from the replacement images memory 118. Such replacements may be
undertaken, for example, based on a wish of the, in this case, spouse, to
maintain anonymity.

[0117]As another example, the recognition logic 112 may analyze the media
asset 102 to determine that the setting content is such that all
non-recognized persons should be anonymized.

[0118]At the operation 410, an attribute of a concurrently-imaged object
within the media asset 102 is determined. For example, an attribute of
the concurrent image(s) 120 may be determined, where the concurrent
image(s) 120 may include virtually any item that may be imaged within the
media asset 102. As mentioned above, the concurrently-imaged object(s)
120 also may be used to determine a setting content of the media asset
102, although the attribute of a concurrently-imaged object reference in
operation 410 may refer to any particular imaged item, or attribute
thereof, which may or may not be a part of a setting content of the media
asset 102.

[0120]At the operation 502, image recognition analysis is performed on a
portion of the media asset. For example, the recognition logic 112 may
perform image recognition analysis on the restricted image 108 to
determine that the restricted image 108 includes an image of a person, or
portion thereof, or any other object that may be visually imaged. The
image recognition analysis may include, for example, color analysis,
pattern-matching, pattern-recognition, or any other technique for
recognizing a particular image or type of image. In particular, in an
example additional operation 504 that may be performed in addition to, or
in association with, operation 502, indecent or obscene material may be
detected. For example, the recognition logic 112 may recognize nudity or
other restricted imagery within the restricted image 108. In this case,
as described in more detail below, later modification of the restricted
image 108 may include addition of clothes or other modification of the
restricted image, where again, and as opposed to simple blurring or
blocking of the restricted image, a presentation context of the
restricted image 108 may be maintained, so that an observer of the
modified media asset 106 may not notice that such a modification has
taken place. As is apparent, moreover, such image recognition analyses
may be performed on any part of the media asset 102, including, for
example, the concurrent image(s) 120, as part of the determining
operation 502.

[0121]At the operation 506, facial recognition analysis is performed on a
portion of the media asset. For example, the recognition logic 112 may
perform a facial recognition analysis on a person within the restricted
image 108, or on any other portion of the media asset.

[0122]At the operation 508, metadata associated with the restricted image
is analyzed. For example, the recognition logic 112 may analyze the media
asset 102 to determine and consider any associated metadata 128. For
example, where the media asset includes a web page, the recognition logic
112 may analyze portions of the web page, including source code
associated with the web page, that may provide information about, for
example, any of the factors mentioned herein, or other factors (e.g.,
identity information, a capturing user or device, a setting content, a
concurrently-imaged object, or any other information about the media
asset 102 that may be useful to the recognition logic 112 in determining
the restricted image 108). In a further example of the operation 508, at
the operation 510, a closed-captioning stream that is associated with the
media asset 102 is analyzed. For example, the media asset 102 may
represent a television show or movie that has an associated
closed-captioning stream, which may be analyzed by the recognition logic
112 to assist in making a determination regarding the restricted image
108.

[0123]At the operation 512, an attribute of the restricted image is
evaluated against image-restriction criteria. For example, the
recognition logic 112 may communicate with the image restriction criteria
116 in order to assist in performing recognition processes. In this case,
the attribute of the restricted image 108 may include any image attribute
mentioned herein, or other attributes, including a size, shape, color,
identity, race, gender, physique, an associated capture device or
capturing user, or any other attribute. The image restriction criteria
116 may involve, for example, any of the various criteria described
herein, such as identity information, setting content, image or facial
recognition analysis, metadata, and so on, as well as criteria not
explicitly mentioned here. Moreover, the image restriction criteria 116
and recognition logic 112 may interoperate to determine the restricted
image 108 based on any combination of these criteria, as may be
determined and configured by the user 122 by way of the user interface
124.

[0124]At the operation 514, a symbol is determined within a portion of the
media asset 102. For example, the symbol or text 130 may be determined by
way of text-recognition software, and thereby used to determine identity
or other information related to the restricted image 108.

[0126]At the operation 602, a user preference associated with the
restricted image is determined. For example, the user 122 may express a
preference as to whether the restricted image 108 should be restricted,
and this preference may be coded into the image restriction criteria 116,
e.g., again, using the interface 124. The user 122 may represent someone
either capturing, transmitting, or reviewing the media asset 102,
examples of which are described in more detail, below.

[0127]At the operation 604, a preference of a human subject of the
restricted image is determined. For example, a public or private figure
may express a desire not to be included in the media asset 102.
Therefore, if such a person is, in fact, included in the media asset 102,
then the recognition logic 112 may recognize the person and, perhaps
based on the preference of the person as stored in the image restriction
criteria 116, may anonymize the image of the person by, for example,
replacing the image with one selected from the replacement images 118, or
otherwise by modifying the image.

[0128]At the operation 606, a preference of a user who captured the media
asset may be determined. For example, the user 122 may be a consumer who
has captured several family photographs and wishes to distribute them to
friends and relatives, but wishes to anonymize certain subjects of the
photographs, perhaps dependent on who is to receive a particular one of
the photographs. In this case and analogous cases, the user 122 may
provide a preference(s) to the recognition logic 112 defining a level
and/or type of anonymization to be provided, with respect to individual
image subjects, and/or with respect to recipients of the modified media
asset 106, or with respect to one or more other image-restriction
criteria, various examples of which are provided herein.

[0129]At the operation 608, a preference of a producer of the media asset
may be determined. For example, the user 122 may represent an editor of a
newspaper who is reviewing a number of photographs taken by staff
photographers, among which the media asset 102 may be included. In this
case, although the editor may not have captured the media asset 102, he
or she may be responsible for producing the modified media asset 106
using the processing system 104. As such, preferences of such a user
defining a level and/or type of anonymization to be provided, with
respect to the one or more criteria described herein, may be implemented
by the recognition logic 112 in determining the restricted image 108
within the media asset 102.

[0131]At the operation 702, a restricted image is determined within a
still picture. For example, if the media asset 102 includes a still
picture taken by a still camera, such as, for example, an embodiment of
the camera 126b of FIG. 2, then the restricted image 108 may be
determined to be any image within the still picture.

[0132]At the operation 704, a restricted image is determined within a
video stream. For example, if the media asset includes any type of video,
including Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) video or other format,
video recorded or transmitted for display on any television, computer, or
other display, then the restricted image 108 may be determined as
essentially any discernable element within the video. As just one
example, the restricted image 108 may be determined as an image within
one or more frames of the video image(s).

[0133]At the operation 706, the media asset is received at an image
capture device. For example, the media asset 102 may be received at the
image capture device 126b of FIG. 2B. As is apparent from the preceding
discussion, the image capture device 126b may be any type of, for
example, camera, digital camera, web camera (webcam) or video camera,
where any of these and others may be disposed within or in association
with one or more other devices, such as, for example, a cell phone or
personal digital assistant (PDA).

[0134]At the operation 708, the media asset may be received at a print
device. For example, the media asset 102 may be received at the print
device 126a of FIG. 2A, such as when the media asset is downloaded
thereto by way of an external computer, and/or by way of a memory card
inserted into (or otherwise connected to) the print device 126a. In this
way, for example, the print device 126a, as with the camera 126b, may be
prevented from producing and/or capturing the restricted image 108.

[0135]At the operation 710, the media asset is received at a central
collection facility for collecting media assets. For example, as
referenced above, the processing service 208 of FIG. 2C may serve as a
clearinghouse for a number of users, who may be employees of a single
employer. In another example, the processing service 208 may be a
commercial enterprise that received media assets from any number of
disparate consumers.

[0137]At the operation 802, the restricted image is replaced with the
modified image selected from a database of replacement images that are
known to include the at least one shared attribute. For example, the
modified image 110 may be selected from the replacement images memory 118
to overlay the restricted image 108, with appropriate scaling, warping,
rotating, color-matching, or any other operation required by the
modification logic 114 to insert the replacement image 110.

[0138]At the operation 804, the restricted image may be modified without
modifying the at least one shared image attribute. For example, and
somewhat contrary to the example just given, the restricted image may be
altered without a full replacement of the image 108. For example, if the
replacement image 108 includes a public figure having brown hair, a
certain style of dress, or some other distinguishing characteristic, then
such a characteristic may be maintained within the modified image 110.
Thus, a person or other object in the restricted image 108 may be
anonymized, with a minimum disruption to the media asset 102 as a whole.

[0139]At the operation 806, a presentation context of the media asset is
maintained within the modified media asset. For example, not only may the
concurrent image(s) 120 be maintained within the modified media asset
110, but the modified image 110 itself may be inserted with minimal or no
disruption to a continuity of color, lighting, shading, clarity, or other
aspects of presentation of the modified media asset.

[0140]At the operation 808, the modified image is determined to be
associated with modified identity information that is different from
identity information associated with the restricted image. For example,
as referred to above, it may be the case that the processing system 104
is operable to anonymize a figure or object, e.g., a person, within the
restricted image 108. By ensuring that the identity information (e.g.,
name, facial features, occupation, or any other identity information)
associated with the modified image 110 is different from identity
information associated with the restricted image 108, at least one aspect
of the anonymization of the figure is provided.

[0141]At the operation 810, an identity of a human subject of the
restricted image is obscured by replacing the human subject with a
replacement human subject having a different identity. For example, and
similarly to some of the examples already given, a human subject in the
restricted image 108 of FIG. 1 may be replaced, perhaps using an image
from the replacement images database 118, where the modification logic
114 is operable to determine the identity of the human subject, perhaps
in conjunction with the image restriction criteria 116 and/or the
recognition logic 112.

[0143]At the operation 902, the restricted image is modified to obtain the
modified image that includes, as the at least one shared image attribute,
one or more image attributes from a group including a shape, a size, a
contour, an outline, a color, a pattern, an anatomy, a figure, a frame, a
form, a glyph, a symbol, a word, a feature, a facial feature, a gender,
or a race. For example, the recognition logic 112 may access the image
restriction criteria 116 to determine one or more of these criteria, or
other criteria, to determine the restricted image 108, as referenced
above, and then the modification logic 114 may, perhaps in association
with the replacement images 118, determine the modified image 110 in
which at least one of the above attributes shared between the modified
image 110 and the restricted image 108.

[0144]At the operation 904, the restricted image is modified to include
clothing or other covering when the restricted image is determined to
include indecent or obscene material. For example, if the media asset 102
includes a website that includes a restricted image 108 that includes
nudity, then the recognition logic may so recognize, and the modification
logic 114 may add clothing or other covering to the restricted image 108.
In this way, a general appearance of the website may be maintained.

[0145]At the operation 906, the restricted image may be modified based on
preference information. For example, a number of types of preference
information are described above, including preferences of the user who
captured or created the media asset 102, or preferences of a human
subject of the media asset 102, or preferences of a user who is in charge
of producing, storing, transmitting, or delivering the media asset 102.
Although such preference information was described above in terms of
determining the restricted image 108, the operation 906 and examples
provided herein also illustrate that such preferences, and other
preferences, also may be used to determine a type or extent of
modification that is performed by, for example, the modification logic
114.

[0146]At the operation 908, it is determined whether payment has been
received for the modifying of the restricted image. For example, the user
122 may access the processing service 208 as part of a paid service in
which the user 122 obtains modification of the media asset 102 in
exchange for payment.

[0147]In this context, payment may refer generally to any type of monetary
compensation, and/or non-monetary compensation, and/or economic value
exchange. Such payment may, for example, occur between any pair of
entities and/or other group of entities. By way of example and not
limitation, a payment may include a non-monetary payment, such as a
credit or coupon that may be exchanged for goods or services, a reduced
or eliminated cost to a user or users for related or non-related goods or
services. In another example, a payment may include granting a party
certain rights or permissions as payment, such as information-related
permissions. The user also may accept cash or cash-equivalents as payment
from the provider for providing such entitlements, rights, or
permissions. Thus, by providing and/or receiving monetary or non-monetary
value, in an amount that may be designated as part of an agreement
between the relevant parties, the parties may gain advantages and
benefits that are mutually acceptable to both.

[0149]At the operation 1002, the restricted image is modified at an image
capture device. For example, the restricted image 108 is modified at the
processing system 104 within the camera 126b of FIG. 2B. Further, at the
operation 1004, the restricted image is modified at a print device. For
example, the restricted image 108 may be modified at the processing
system 104 by the print device 126a of FIG. 2A. Further, at the operation
1006, the restricted image may be modified at a remote processing
service. For example, the restricted image 108 may be modified at a
processing system 104 of the processing service 208 of FIG. 2C.

[0150]At the operation 1008, information regarding the restricted image
may be encrypted. For example, the modification logic 114 may be operable
to encrypt the media asset 102 and/or the restricted image 108, prior to,
or in conjunction with, producing the modified media asset 110. For
example, the encrypted restricted image 108 may be aggregated with the
modified media asset for output, or the encrypted restricted image 108
may be stored remotely from the modified media asset 110.

[0151]At the operation 1010, the restricted image is prevented from being
rendered. For example, the modification logic 114 may corrupt information
regarding the restricted image 108 such that the information is not, or
can not be, stored for later access. In this way, for example, the
anonymity of a person in the restricted image 108 may be maintained in
full confidence.

[0153]At the operation 1102, a presentation of a human face is maintained
within the modified image when the restricted image includes a restricted
human face. For example, if the restricted image 108 includes a human
face of a public figure or some other individual who has requested some
level of anonymity, then that face may be replaced or otherwise modified,
perhaps using the replacement images 118, by the modification logic 114.

[0154]At the operation 1104, the modified media asset is produced as a
digital modified media asset. For example, the modification logic 114 may
be operable to output the modified media asset 110 as a digital media
asset.

[0155]At the operation 1106, the modified media asset is output. For
example, the modified media asset 110 may be output to the user 122, who,
as is apparent from the above discussion, may represent someone who has
captured the media asset, someone who is reviewing the media asset,
someone who is receiving the media asset, or anyone else who may have
cause to receive the media asset.

[0156]FIG. 12 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer program
product 1200 that includes a computer program 1204 for executing a
computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplary
computer program product 1200 is provided using a signal bearing medium
1202, and may include at least one of one or more instructions for
determining a restricted image within a media asset, one or more
instructions for modifying the restricted image to obtain a modified
image that includes at least one shared image attribute of the restricted
image, and one or more instructions for producing a modified media asset
that includes the modified image. The one or more instructions may be,
for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions.
In one implementation, the signal-bearing medium 1202 may include a
computer-readable medium 1206. In one implementation, the signal-bearing
medium 1202 may include a recordable medium 1208. In one implementation,
the signal-bearing medium 1202 may include a communications medium 1210.

[0157]FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary system 1300 in which embodiments
may be implemented. The system 1300 includes a computing system
environment. The system 1300 also illustrates the user 122 using a user
device 1304, which is optionally shown as being in communication with a
computing device 1302 by way of an optional coupling 1306. The optional
coupling 1306 may represent a local, wide-area, or peer-to-peer network,
or may represent a bus that is internal to a computing device (e.g., in
example embodiments in which the computing device is contained in whole
or in part within the user device 1304. A storage medium 1308 may be any
computer storage media.

[0158]The computing device 1302 includes an operability to receive the
media asset 102. The computing device 1302 also includes computer
executable instructions 1310 that when executed on the computing device
1302 causes the computing device 1302 to determine a restricted image
within a media asset, modify the restricted image to obtain a modified
image that includes at least one shared image attribute of the restricted
image, and produce a modified media asset that includes the modified
image.

[0159]As referenced above and as shown in FIG. 13, in some examples, the
computing device 1302 may optionally be contained in whole or in part
within the user device 1304, and may include the image-capture device
(camera) 126b or the printer 126a. For example, the user device 1304 may
include a cell phone, and the computing device 1302 may be included as
part of a digital camera included within the cell phone. In another
example embodiment, the computing device 1302 is operable to communicate
with the user device 1304 associated with the user 122 to receive the
media asset 102 from the user 122 and to provide the modified media asset
106 to the user 122.

[0160]FIG. 14 illustrates an operational flow 1400 representing example
operations by which the user 122 obtains the modified media asset 106
that includes the modified image 110. At operation 1410, a user provides
a media asset to a processing system for recognition of a restricted
image contained therein. For example, the user 122 may provide the media
asset 102 to the processing system 104 for recognition of the restricted
image 108 by the recognition logic 112. At operation 1420, a modified
media asset is received in which the restricted image has been modified
to include a modified image. For example, the modified media asset 106
may be received in which the restricted image 108 has been modified to
include the modified image 110.

[0161]The operation 1410 may include one or more additional operations.
For example, the operation 1410 may include an operation 1402 in which
recognition parameters by which the restricted image may be recognized
are specified by way of a user interface. For example, the user 122 may
set parameters of the recognition logic 112.

[0162]Also, the operation 1410 may include an operation 1404, in which
modification parameters by which the restricted image may be modified are
specified by way of a user interface. For example, the user 122 may
specify parameters of the modification logic 114, by way of the user
interface 124.

[0163]The operation 1420 may include one or more operations. For example,
the operation 1420 may include an operation 1406, in which the modified
media asset is received from one or more of an image capture device, a
print device, or a remote processing service. For example, the user 122
may receive the modified media asset 106 by way of the print device 126a,
the camera 126b, or the remote processing system 208.

[0164]Of course, the user 122 may receive the modified media asset 106 in
other ways. For example, the modified media asset 106 may be received as
stored on a memory device. For example, the user may capture an audio
and/or visual file using an image capture device or by way of downloading
from a website or other location. The user may store the resulting
digital file on a memory card, memory stick, CD, DVD, or other storage
media.

[0165]FIG. 15 illustrates an operational flow 1500 representing example
operations that produce the modified media asset 106. After a start
operation, the operational flow 1500 moves to a determining operation
1502 where an image is determined. For example, the image 108 may be
determined to exist within the media asset 102. At the operation 1504,
the image is modified to obtain an anonymized image. For example, as
described in various contexts above, one image may be altered or changed
such that a subject of the image is protected from inclusion therein, yet
without alerting a user in a normal or anticipated use of the image from
noticing the protection.

[0167]At the operations 1506 and 1508, respectively, and as an alternative
embodiment of the determining operation 1502, an attribute of the image
is determined, and the attribute is evaluated against image-restriction
criteria. For example, the recognition logic 112 may determine an
attribute(s) of the media asset 102, or of the image 108 itself,
including any of the numerous attributes discussed herein, or others not
specifically discussed. Then, the recognition logic 112 may evaluate the
attribute against the image restriction criteria 116.

[0168]At the operation 1510, an attribute of an identity of a subject of
the image is determined. For example, a subject of the image 108 may be a
public figure, or someone else who has specified (or about whom it has
been specified) that any or certain images of him or herself should be
anonymized. The recognition logic 112 may thus determine an attribute of
an identity of this person, including those mentioned herein such as
name, occupation, physical trait, or others.

[0169]The modifying operation 1504 may include alternative embodiments, as
well. For example, at the operation 1512, a presentation context of the
image in the anonymized image is preserved. For example, the modified
image 110 may be presented with a same or similar clarity, resolution,
contrast, color, or balance as the image 108 (as opposed to, e.g., simply
blocking out or blurring the image 108), and/or the concurrent image(s)
120 may be maintained.

[0170]At the operation 1514, the image may be replaced with a non-specific
image to obtain the anonymized image. For example, a non-specific image,
e.g., an image that is not specific to the media asset 102, and/or to a
subject of the image 108, may be selected from the replacement images
118.

[0171]At the operation 1516, the image may be replaced with a
modified-identity image to obtain the anonymized image. For example, the
modified image 110 may be associated with a subject having an identity
different from that of an identity of the image 108.

[0172]At the operation 1518, an identity associated with a subject of the
image may be obscured to obtain the anonymized image. For example, an
identity of the subject of the image 108 may be obscured, as opposed to
the image 108 itself being obscured in the sense of being blocked out,
covered, or blurred.

[0173]At the operation 1520, at least one shared attribute of the image
may be maintained within the anonymized image. Also, at the operation
1522, at least one or more of a shape, a size, a contour, an outline, a
color, a pattern, an anatomy, a figure, a frame, a form, a glyph, a
symbol, a word, a feature, a facial feature, a gender, or a race of the
image may be maintained within the anonymized image. For example, any of
the above attributes, or combinations thereof, or other attributes, may
be maintained within the anonymized image 110 with respect to the image
108.

[0174]FIG. 16 illustrates a partial view of an exemplary computer program
product 1600 that includes a computer program 1604 for executing a
computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the exemplary
computer program product 1600 is provided using a signal bearing medium
1602, and may include at least one of one or more instructions for
determining an image, and one or more instructions for modifying the
image to obtain an anonymized image. The one or more instructions may be,
for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions.
In one implementation, the signal-bearing medium 1602 may include a
computer-readable medium 1606. In one implementation, the signal-bearing
medium 1602 may include a recordable medium 1608. In one implementation,
the signal-bearing medium 1602 may include a communications medium 1610.

[0175]Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 17, an exemplary
embodiment may include computerized apparatus 1700 having a processing
unit 1702, system memory 1704, and one or more program applications 1706.
Access may be provided via user interface 1701. Possible data records may
include a listing of alterable component elements 1708 of a media work,
and a listing of derivative media work versions 1710.

[0176]Media content 1712 available to the computerized apparatus 1700 may
include audio content 1714, video content 1716, audiovisual content 1718,
and animation content 1720. Such content may be received by audio
acquisition module 1722, video acquisition module 1724, audiovisual
acquisition module 1726, and animation acquisition module 1728. The
various component elements and designated aspects of the media content
1712 may be manipulated and processed by management module 1730 and
markup module 1732 in accordance with applicable criteria and
authorization procedures.

[0177]Additional separate data records 1734 illustrated in FIG. 17 may be
accessible to computerized apparatus 1700 through a communication link
1733. Such additional data records 1734 may also be available via an
external access link 1740. Pertinent informational data records for one
or more derivative versions of a composite media work may include records
regarding alteration criteria 1736 and records regarding authorization
rights 1738. It will be understood that various storage locations may be
provided for pertinent information records related to possible alteration
of the composite media work. In some instances the computerized apparatus
1700 may include local data records for alteration criteria 1736a and
local records for authorization rights 1738a as well as additional local
data records, depending on the circumstances.

[0178]The schematic representation of FIG. 18 illustrates various possible
embodiment features for a library collection of media works 1750 that may
include an original version 1752 of a media work as well as derivative
versions 1754. Such media works may have capability for the addition,
deletion, modification, and replacement of media element components as
well as one or more designated aspects of the media content, as disclosed
in more detail herein.

[0179]Some media works may be provided from an original source for media
content 1756 via communication link 1757. In some instances a media work
may have originated elsewhere and be transferred (e.g., delivered,
downloaded, etc.) as shown by arrow 1759 to an intermediate source for
media content 1758, and ultimately via communication link 1760 to be
included in the library collection of media works 1750. Of course the
library collection is shown schematically as a centralized block only for
illustrative purposes, and can be collectively or randomly dispersed as
deemed appropriate.

[0180]Organization and categorization of media content for purposes of
possible alteration as well as implementation of such content alteration
may be done by content creators 1761, editors 1762 and the like. In many
instances it will be necessary to have direct or indirect participation
by one or more owners of primary authorizations rights 1763 regarding an
existing media work. It may also be necessary to have direct or indirect
participation by one or more owners of secondary authorization rights
1764 regarding substitute content (e.g., already incorporated, scheduled
for possible incorporation, in process of being created or selected for
incorporation, etc.) for a derivative version of the media works.

[0181]For purposes of clarity, it will be understood that a "derivative
version" as used herein is deemed to include all derived or iterative
versions of a published or unpublished work including so-called
"original" or "master" versions of a media work.

[0182]As further illustrated in FIG. 18, it will be understood that there
are many possible embodiment features related to possible distribution
channels for derivative versions that incorporate content alterations or
are candidates for content alterations. For example, such distribution
may be implemented by a server 1765 having one or more network links
1766. Another possible distribution channel may be provided by an
Internet link 1767 for a media presentation 1768 to a restricted audience
1769.

[0183]A further possible distribution channel may be provided by satellite
transmission 1770 of a radio or television signal 1771 to one or more
targeted devices 1772. Such targeted devices 1772 may provide further
controlled distribution to authorized parties 1773 as well as prevent
distribution (e.g., access) to excluded parties 1774. In some instances a
stored version 1775 may be approved and appropriate for future
availability.

[0184]A wireless link 1776 may be available in some locations for
distribution to an approved recipient group 1777. A further distribution
channel may include cable distribution 1778 to a local media provider
1780 for re-transmittal via a narrowcast 1781 or a broadcast 1782 to
potential viewers or listeners. In some instances additional content
alteration of component elements or designated aspects may be
accomplished by a local media editor 1783 for further distribution to a
targeted audience 1784.

[0185]Another possible distribution technique may be implemented by making
a stored media work 1785 available to a renter 1786 or a purchaser 1787
in accordance with applicable criteria and authorization rights. Of
course, other distribution channels and techniques may be implemented,
and the examples shown and described are not intended to be limiting.

[0186]Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 19, other exemplary
features that may be implemented in connection with shared distribution
access to composite media works having alterable content. For example,
local computer apparatus 1790 may have an access interface 1791 for a
user 1792. Additional features of computer apparatus 1790 may include
memory 1800, processor 1802, one or more applications 1804, media drive
1806, controller 1808, and transceiver 1809.

[0187]The composite media work may already reside in the local computer
apparatus 1790 or may be available via network 1810 (e.g., Internet, WAN,
LAN, Peer to Peer, etc.). In some instances the composite media work may
be partially or wholly available by loading a stored program 1812.

[0188]Shared distribution (e.g., access) of the composite media work may
be implemented via wireless links 1795 to mobile unit 1793 and to
hand-held device 1794. Other shared distribution may be accomplished via
communication link 1797 to multi-function device 1796, and also via a
separate communication link to a designated recipient 1798. Other types
of shared distribution accessibility may be implemented depending on the
circumstances, and in some instances depending on the available
communication terminals approved by the owners of primary or secondary
authorization rights for the derivative version of the composite media
work.

[0189]The schematic block diagram of FIG. 20 illustrates a possible
embodiment 1820 of an exemplary scheme for composite media works capable
of altered content. A computerized management system 1822 may include
processor 1823, controller 1824, one or more applications 1826, and
memory 1828. Additional modules may implement an alteration criteria
compliance process 1830 and may maintain derivative version status
records 1832.

[0190]There are many possible storage arrangements that may include but
are not limited to centralized storage media 1836, distributed storage
media 1837, and removable storage media 1838.

[0191]Data storage parameters 1840 may be organized with respect to an
original media work version 1841, a specified derivative version 1842, a
distribution channel 1844, and a media format 1845. Additional possible
storage parameters may be organized to include informational data with
respect to altered content elements or aspects 1846 and with respect to
associated real-world entities or persons 1847.

[0193]Further possible data storage parameter records for some embodiments
may relate to specified types of content changes 1860 such as the
capability to add 1862, delete 1864, modify 1866, and replace 1868
alterable component elements or designated aspects that are feasible for
alteration.

[0194]As illustrated in FIG. 20, an access interface 1870 may provide a
communication link to a capture device 1872, access device 1874, and
capture/access device 1876. Additional links may be provided for an
alteration authorization entity 1878 as well as for interested parties
1879 that may need read and/or write accessibility to the computerized
management system 1822 as well as to the informational data represented
by the data storage parameters 1840.

[0195]It will be understood by those skilled in the art that appropriate
distribution 1871 of various altered or alterable derivative versions of
the composite media works may be initiated, controlled, or monitored by
the computerized management system 1822. In some instances oversight or
interaction or monitoring may be provided by external communications via
the access interface 1870.

[0196]The schematic representation of FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary
embodiment for providing alterable content in a media work. Embodiment
features include video capture module 1880, computerized control unit
1882 with user interface 1884, program module 1885, audio recording unit
1886, and ancillary device 1889. A field of view 1890 for the video
capture module 1880 and for the audio recording unit 1886 enables ongoing
capture of audiovisual content that includes audio and visual aspects of
multiple objects and people.

[0197]The computerized control unit 1882 is operably coupled with the
program module 1885 as well as the audio recording unit 1886 and video
capture module 1880 to capture the scene depicted in FIG. 21. The
computerized control unit 1882 is also operably coupled with the
ancillary device 1889 to identify and in some instances list alterable
data content that may be available for subsequent alteration in
accordance with applicable criteria and authorization rights.

[0198]It will be understood that some embodiments may include possible
supplemental video data 1878 as an additional input to video capture
module 1880 to create a desired visual content for the composite media
work. Similarly some embodiments may include possible supplemental audio
data 1888 as an additional input to audio recording unit 1886 to create a
desired audio content for the composite media work. In some instances,
some or all of such additional inputs 1878, 1888 may be identified or
listed as alterable content and therefore subject to possible future
deletion, modification or replacement in accordance with applicable
alteration criteria and applicable authorization rights.

[0199]Various examples of possible alterable content are illustrated in
FIG. 21. Such alterable content may include an alterable building
component element 1891 having designated aspects such as a name "Hotel
Pomo Resort" 1892 and a building style 1894. Additional alterable content
may include an alterable vehicle component element 1895 having one or
more identifiable aspects such as an identifiable car brand 1896.
Possible substitute objects that may be available as a replacement for
the alterable vehicle component element 1895 are shown in phantom lines,
and may include a substitute car brand 1898 and a substitute bicycle
1899.

[0200]A male character 1900 is shown as an alterable component element
having designated alterable aspects such as no hat 1902, long pants 1904,
wrist watch 1906 and a shirt display of a name "Sunset Cafe" 1908. The
male character has a pet component element shown as a terrier breed 1910
that may be alterable. For example, a possible substitute pet 1912 is
illustrated in phantom lines.

[0202]It will be understood that the exemplary embodiment features of
alterable content as well as possible substitute content are not intended
to be limiting, but are disclosed for purposes of illustration only. Many
other types of alterable content and substitute content may be
incorporated in composite media works pursuant to the disclosure set
forth herein.

[0203]The schematic depiction of FIG. 22 illustrates additional possible
embodiment features regarding possible alteration of content in media
works. For example, an editing apparatus 1930 for composite media works
may include user interface 1932, processor 1934, controller 1936, one or
more application programs 1937, and storage media 1938. The editing
apparatus 1930 may also include a data record for the alteration criteria
1944 and a data record for the authorization rights 1946 applicable to a
composite media work as well as various derivative versions thereof.

[0205]Additional possible features of the illustrated editing apparatus
1930 may include a component selection module 1940 and an aspect
selection module 1942. Such selection modules 1940, 1942 may be
configured to select (e.g., identify) existing component elements or
designated aspects that are feasible for alteration, and may be further
configured to select (e.g., identify, retrieve, etc.) substitute content
for consideration and possible incorporation in a derivative version of
the composite media work.

[0206]A possible audiovisual scene 1948 as well as one or more individual
visual frames 1949 may include alterable content that may be subject to
alteration criteria and authorization rights. Such alterable content may
include an audio component element 1950 that includes one or more
designated audio aspects 1951. Such alterable content may further include
a video component element 1952 that includes one or more designated video
aspects 1953. Such alterable content may additionally include an
audiovisual component element 1954 that includes one or more audiovisual
aspects 1955.

[0207]Informational data may also be processed and made available by the
editing apparatus 1930, including status data regarding pending content
alterations 1960, approved content alterations 1962, and finalized
derivative versions of a media work 1964.

[0208]Examples of alterable content are illustrated in FIG. 22. For
example, an illustrated female character 1970 (e.g., live actress,
animated personage, live singing, dubbed singing, live music, synthesized
music, etc.) may be identified as an alterable component element that may
be replaced by a substitute live or animated female character 1972. A
different type of content alteration may be a partial or hybrid
modification of certain designated aspects of a musical component element
1974 related to such female character 1970. Possible alterable designated
aspects may include song lyrics, background music, singing character, and
actual vocalist.

[0209]A further illustrated example of alterable content may be a male
person 1975 (e.g., self-portrayed person, live actor, animated personage,
etc.) that is identified as an alterable component element that may be
replaced by a substitute male person 1977. A different type of content
alteration may be a partial or hybrid substitution of certain designated
aspects of a character component element 1979 related to such male
person. Possible alterable designated aspects may include clothing,
language accent, age, and stature.

[0210]Yet another illustrated example of alterable content may be a scene
setting component element 1984 that includes certain designated alterable
aspects. The applicable alteration criteria may already require in some
circumstances a replacement of a spruce tree 1980 with a pre-determined
substitute oak tree 1982. Other possible alterable designated aspects may
include a size or shape of the spruce tree 1980 as well as a size or
shape of the replacement oak tree 1982.

[0212]Another exemplary type of alterable component element that may be
incorporated in the audiovisual scene 1948 and the visual frame 1949 is
referenced as product component element 1985. Possible designated aspects
of such a product component element may include a type of beverage, cell
phone, designer clothes, and game.

[0213]A further exemplary type of alterable component is referenced in
FIG. 22 as a company or trademark component 1987. Possible substitute
content pursuant to applicable alteration criteria and authorization
rights may include addition, deletion, modification or replacement of
recognizable entity trade names as indicated in the drawing Figure (e.g.,
HP, Dell, AT&T, Marriott, Hilton, Nokia, Sony, Microsoft) as well as many
others. This type of content alteration may also involve negotiation and
agreement regarding terms and conditions included in a compensation
arrangement with such recognizable entities.

[0214]The schematic representation of FIG. 23 illustrates optional
embodiment features for distribution possibilities regarding media works
having alterable content. For example, an original composite media work
2000 may be retained in archive 2002 for future reference or use. A
stored original version 2004 may provide a basis for distribution of an
original format version 2006, and may also be transferred to editing
module 2008.

[0215]An altered derivative version may be available from editing module
2008 for distribution in format version ABC (see 2010) as well as in a
different format version JKL (see 2012). Editing module 2008 may also
provide output for additional stored derivative versions 2009.

[0216]A possible media distribution channel 2015 may provide an unaltered
version 2030 to one or more targeted devices XYZ (see 2032). An editing
module 2020 may have a communication link to media distribution channel
2015, and process the original composite media work 2000 in order to
provide a distributed altered version 2034 as well as a stored altered
version 2022. Additional distribution of the stored altered version 2022
may be accomplished with storage media delivery 2024, wired transfer
2026, and wireless transmission 2028.

[0217]An alternative distribution channel 2036 may provide an additional
communication link for transferring a version of the original composite
media work 2000 to a targeted audience QRS (see 2038).

[0218]It will be understood that the various altered derivative versions,
media formats, and distribution channels as depicted in FIG. 23 may be
subject to limitations and compensation requirements pursuant to
applicable alteration criteria as well as to applicable authorization
rights.

[0220]It will be understood that each composite media work may include a
standardized type of alterable component elements and a related group of
designated alterable aspects. However in many instances the type of
alterable component elements and related group of designated alterable
aspects may be customized for a particular media work or group of media
works. The examples of alterable content disclosed in FIG. 23 and
elsewhere herein are therefore not intended to be limiting, but are
provided by way of example only.

[0221]As shown in the tabular depiction 2044 of FIG. 24, some exemplary
designated alterable aspects that may be included within an alterable
music component element 2046 are song lyrics, background music, vocalist,
and instruments (see 2048). Other exemplary designated alterable aspects
that may be included within an alterable setting component element 2050
are beach, apartment, hotel, urban, airport, college, and store (see
2052).

[0222]Some possible exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be
included within an alterable hero component element 2054 are age,
stature, hair style, ethnic group, voice accent, and affluence (see
2056). Other exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be included
within an alterable heroine component element 2058 are age, personality,
jewelry, family status, career, and hobby (see 2060). Further exemplary
designated alterable aspects that may be included within an alterable
villain component element 2062 are voice, weapon, addiction, job, scars,
tattoos, and profanity (see 2064).

[0223]Some exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be included
within an alterable clothing component element 2066 are 1920s era,
expensive, stylish, gaudy, military, athletic, and hats (see 2068). Other
exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be included within an
alterable vehicle component element 2070 are airplane, motorcycle,
limousine, train, model T car, and sailboat (see 2072).

[0224]As further shown in FIG. 24, some exemplary designated alterable
aspects that may be included within an alterable company component
element 2074 are Western Union, Barnum & Bailey, Union Pacific, and Ford
Motor (see 2076). Other exemplary designated alterable aspects that may
be included within an alterable animal component element 2078 are collie
dog, Siamese cat, parakeet, race horse, and walrus (see 2080).

[0225]Some additional exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be
included within an alterable food component element 2082 are soup, fish &
chips, sausage, plum pudding and sauerkraut (see 2084). Further exemplary
designated alterable aspects that may be included within an alterable
product component element 2086 are telephone, radio, piano, pistol,
magazines, and newspaper (see 2088).

[0226]Other exemplary designated alterable aspects that may be included
within an alterable brand component element 2090 are Sears Roebuck, RCA,
Westinghouse, GE, PanAm, and Kodak (see 2092). Additional exemplary
designated alterable aspects that may be included within an alterable
dialogue component element 2094 are U.S. English, German, cockney accent,
southern drawl, and slang (see 2096).

[0227]It will be understood that the various informational data of the
type depicted in FIG. 24 may be maintained in various centralized and
dispersed locations for accessibility, status review, management and
editing of derivative versions of composite media works with alterable or
altered content.

[0228]The schematic representation of FIG. 25 shows exemplary types of
data records for alteration criteria 2100. For example, certain data
records in some embodiments may include a type of derivative version
2102, type of media format 2104, type of distribution channel 2106, and
other derivative versions 2108. Additional possible data record types may
include a listing of interested parties 2110 that may request or require
access to such data records for alteration criteria 2100.

[0229]Further possible data records for alteration criteria 2100 in some
embodiments may include a listing of alterable component elements 2112
including but not limited to verbal element 2114, text element 2116,
image element 2118, object element 2120, music element 2122, and related
set of element 2124. Other possible data record types may include a
listing of alterable designated aspects 2132 including but not limited to
video 2134, audio 2136, audiovisual 2138, animation 2140 and related set
of aspects 2141.

[0230]Some embodiments may include data records regarding various
associated real-world entities 2142 for related types of objects depicted
in a composite media work capable of alterable content. Specific
categories of data records for associated real-world entities 2142 may
include entity status 2144, relevant entity communications 2146, one or
more entity-related elements 2148, and one or more entity-related aspects
2150.

[0231]Some embodiments may include data records regarding various
associated real-world persons 2152 for related types of objects depicted
in a composite media work capable of alterable content. Specific
categories of data records for associated real-world persons 2152 may
include person status 2154, relevant person communications 2156, one or
more person-related elements 2158, and one or more person-related aspects
2160.

[0232]Additional types of possible data records may include alteration
approval techniques 2162 for substituted content. Related categories of
data records may include primary authorization rights 2164 and
information regarding an owner 2165 of such primary authorization rights.
Other related categories of data records may include secondary
authorization rights 2166 and information regarding an owner 2167 of such
secondary authorization rights. A further related category of data
records may include applicable terms and provisions 2168 regarding
primary and secondary authorization rights 2164, 2166.

[0234]It will be understood that the various informational data of the
type depicted in FIG. 25 may be maintained in various centralized and
dispersed locations for accessibility, status review, management and
editing of derivative versions of composite media works with alterable or
altered content.

[0235]It will be further understood that some data record categories in
the illustrated embodiments herein may not be necessary in some
circumstances, and in some instances additional data record categories
may be deemed to be helpful. The need for such data record flexibility is
contemplated and the exemplary data file names and categories disclosed
herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0236]Referring to embodiment features of FIG. 26, an exemplary tabular
representation of data records for authorization rights 2180 may includes
a listing of alterable elements 2190 and alterable aspects 2192 for a
particular derivative version of a composite media work capable of
content alteration. Such data records for authorization rights 2180 may
further include specified data records regarding type of derivative
version 2182, type of media form 2183, type of distribution channel 2184,
and other derivative versions 2185.

[0239]In some embodiments the ownership status and the related applicable
provisions may vary with respect to different types or categories of
alterable content. For example, separate informational listings regarding
ownership rights and their related provisions (e.g., term, conditions,
compensation, limitations, authorization procedure, contact agent, etc.)
may be separately maintained for individually identifiable alterable
component elements including but not limited to a person or character
2202, an actor or actress 2204, an object or item 2206, and a product
category 2208.

[0241]It will be understood that the various informational data of the
type depicted in FIG. 26 may be maintained in various centralized and
dispersed locations for accessibility, status review, management and
editing of derivative versions of composite media works with alterable or
altered content.

[0242]It will be understood from the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein that various system implementations may include combined or
separate listings of alterable component elements and alterable
designated aspects feasible for alteration. Other possible data listings
may include a further listing of the one or more of the following type of
possible content alterations: related set of designated aspects, related
set of alterable components, identical objects, same object in different
scenes, and same object in different settings. A further possible listing
may include one or more of the following type of possible content
alterations: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, and
animation.

[0243]Some system embodiments may include a data record that includes
informational data regarding a specified derivative version of the
composite media work, wherein the specified derivative version includes
capability for incorporating substituted content. A further system data
record may include informational data to identify a specified derivative
version incorporating previously altered content; and another system data
record may include informational data to identify a specified derivative
version having capability to incorporate future substituted content.

[0244]A further possible system embodiment feature may include a
management module to coordinate compliance with the criteria for possible
content alteration. Other possible system embodiment features may include
further data records that identify one or more of the following:
alteration limitation applicable to a derivative version of the composite
media work; media format limitation applicable to a derivative version of
the composite work; distribution limitation applicable to a derivative
version of the composite work; a group or set of related component
elements capable of alteration; and a group or set of designated aspects
capable of alteration.

[0245]Further possible system embodiment features may include a further
data record that identifies an entity, or a person, associated with
substituted content incorporated in a derivative version of the composite
media work.

[0246]Content alteration of different types of media works may involve
various types of procedural guidelines and consent requirements regarding
the substituted content as well respecting its integration into a
composite media work. In some instances compliance with alteration
criteria may constitute sufficient approval to proceed with a content
alteration of a composite media work. Under some circumstances there may
be multiple approvals required that may involve both compliance with
alteration criteria as well as consent by an owner of primary
authorization rights. In other instances it may be possible to merely
obtain such consent by an owner of primary authorization rights without
having to comply with additional alteration criteria. It will be
understood that features of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein
may be adapted for implementation in existing media works as well as in
newly created media works.

[0247]Some system embodiments may include a listing of alterable content
that is subject to authorization rights. In some instances an exemplary
implementation may include a further listing of the one or more of the
following type of alterable content subject to the authorization rights:
related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable components,
identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in
different settings. Another possible system feature may include a further
listing of the one or more of the following type of alterable content
subject to the authorization rights: textual, verbal, visual, image,
audio, musical, and animation.

[0248]Additional exemplary features of a system embodiment may include a
data record that includes authorization rights applicable to one or more
of the following targeted categories for the composite media work:
geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, and
demographic distribution. Other exemplary system features may include a
data record that includes authorization rights regarding possible content
alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated
with a real-world entity: brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted
work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon,
logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia,
acronym, abbreviation, certification, slogan, jingle, animation, animated
character, copyrighted item, and personage.

[0250]Another exemplary system embodiment may include a management module
to coordinate compliance with the authorization rights. Other possible
embodiments may include an additional data record of secondary
authorization rights applicable to substitute content for the composite
media work. Some related system data records may include secondary
authorization rights applicable to a substitute component element or a
substitute designated aspect incorporated as a content alteration in the
composite media work.

[0251]The high level flow chart of FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment 2320
that provides a classification method for elements incorporated in a
composite media work (block 2322), including establishing criteria for
possible content alteration of one or more component elements of the
composite media work (block 2322), wherein the one or more component
elements include a designated aspect that is feasible for alteration
(block 2324); and making such criteria accessible to an interested party
(block 2328).

[0252]Referring to another process embodiment 2330 illustrated in the
detailed flow chart of FIG. 28, exemplary features may include previously
described process components 2322, 2324, 2326, 2328 in combination with
establishing the criteria for one or more of the following types of
possible content alteration of the designated aspect: addition, deletion,
modification, and replacement (block 2331).

[0253]Some implementations may also include establishing the criteria for
addition or deletion or modification or replacement of one or more
designated aspects associated with a real-world entity (block 2332), or
associated with a real-world person (block 2333). A further possible
implementation provides one or more of the following type of approval
techniques for obtaining compliance with the criteria: programmed,
pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute
content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute
content rating, and aggregate content rating (block 2338).

[0259]Referring to additional embodiment features 2350 illustrated in FIG.
30, previously described process components 2322, 2324, 2326 2342 are
depicted along with another exemplary process feature establishing
criteria regarding possible content alteration of one or more designated
aspects in response to a relevant communication from the real-world
enterprise (block 2352).

[0260]Further exemplary process features may include establishing criteria
regarding possible content alteration of one or more designated aspects
associated with the real-world entity having one or more of the following
characteristics: lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct,
non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change,
defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of
prerogative, and expired authorization (block 2354).

[0262]Further possible related features may include establishing criteria
regarding content alteration of one or more designated aspects in the
event the real-world person has died or retired or otherwise changed
status (block 2357), and establishing criteria regarding content
alteration of one or more designated aspects in response to a relevant
communication from the real-world person (block 2358).

[0263]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 31 illustrates exemplary embodiment
features 2360 that include previously described process features 2322,
2324, 2326 along with establishing criteria regarding one or more of the
following specified portions of the composite media work having such
designated aspect feasible for alteration: frame, scene, setting,
building, house, office, store, room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane,
street, town, and country (block 2362).

[0265]Other exemplary enhancements depicted include establishing criteria
based on a targeted geographic distribution of the composite media work
(block 2364), or a targeted distribution channel for the composite media
work (block 2366), or a targeted audience for the composite media work
(block 2368).

[0266]FIG. 31 further illustrates possible process features that establish
the criteria regarding content alteration of one or more types of a
component element of the composite media work (block 2371). Such
exemplary types of content alteration of a component element may include
content alteration of a textual component (block 2372), a verbal
component (block 2373), an audio component (block 2374), a musical
component (block 2375), a visual component (block 2376), an image
component (block 2377) or an animation component (block 2378), as well as
various combinations of such components.

[0267]Referring to the illustrated embodiment features 2380 of FIG. 32,
previously described component features 2322, 2324, 2326 are combined
with possible enhancements that include establishing criteria regarding
content alteration of one or more of the following: related set of
designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical
objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different
settings (block 2381).

[0268]Additional possible implementation features may relate to
establishing alteration limitations applicable to the composite media
work (block 2392). For example, some exemplary features may include
providing a listing of one or more of the following type of objectionable
alteration parameters: substitute component element, substitute
designated aspect, substitution process, alternate media format, and
alternate distribution channel (block 2396). Additional exemplary
features may include forbidding or restricting alteration of one or more
of following type of component elements: plot, story, animation, text,
narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound,
music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, and credits (block
2398).

[0269]Additional possible implement features may include providing a
listing of one or more of the following type of pre-approved alteration
parameters: substitute component element, substitute designated aspect,
substitution process, alternate media format, and alternate distribution
channel (block 2394).

[0270]FIG. 32 further illustrates additional possible features related to
criteria for possible alteration of one or more component elements of the
composite media work. For example, in some instances an exemplary process
feature may establishing one or more of the following type of criteria:
automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and
compensation (block 2382). Other exemplary process features may establish
the criteria based at least in part on a targeted distribution time
period for the composite media work (block 2384), or may establish the
criteria based at least in part on a targeted demographic distribution of
the composite media work (block 2386).

[0273]Further possible implementation features relating to accessibility
of the criteria to an interested party may include providing
accessibility to such criteria via one or more of the following: website,
email request, database, telephonic request, postal mail request, stored
message, publication, and announcement (block 2411). Other related
implementation possibilities may include providing accessibility to such
criteria via a hyperlink incorporated in a derivative version of the
composite media work (block 2412), and providing accessibility to such
criteria via a hyperlink incorporated in a website associated with the
composite media work (block 2414).

[0274]Other exemplary process features may include maintaining a record of
informational data regarding the criteria for possible content alteration
(block 2404), and making the record of informational data accessible to
one or more interested parties (block 2406). A further possible
enhancement may include maintaining a record of authorization rights
applicable to original content of the composite media work or to
substituted content incorporated in the composite media work (block
2408).

[0275]It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various
components and elements disclosed in the block diagrams herein as well as
the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts herein may
be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in order to
enhance possible benefits and advantages.

[0276]It is to be further understood that various aspects of the methods
and processes disclosed in FIGS. 3-11, 14-15, 27-33, 36-42, 45-54, 57-66,
69-74, 76-83, 86-88, 91-96, and 98-104 can be incorporated in one or more
different types of computer program products wherein computer readable
media have program instructions encoded thereon for executing the methods
and processes. Some exemplary computer program products may be
implemented in storage carrier media having program instructions encoded
thereon. In some instances exemplary computer program products may be
implemented in communication carrier media having program instructions
encoded thereon.

[0277]The flow chart of FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment 2420 that
provides a computer program product having one or more computer programs
with instructions for executing a process (block 2421). Such an exemplary
process may include providing criteria for possible content alteration of
one or more component elements of a composite media work (block 2422),
identifying a component element that includes a designated aspect
feasible for alteration (block 2424), and facilitating access to such
criteria (block 2426). Further possible features may include providing
signal-bearing storage media for encoding instructions for executing such
an exemplary process (block 2427); and providing signal-bearing
communication media for encoding instructions for executing such an
exemplary process (block 2428).

[0278]Additional possible computer program product features may include
providing criteria that identifies one or more of the following type of
targeted categories for a derivative version of the composite media work
wherein the derivative version includes capability for incorporating
substituted content: geographic distribution, distribution channel,
audience, recipient group, targeted device, time period, and demographic
distribution.

[0279]A further possible computer program process feature may include
providing criteria that identifies one or more of the following type of
limitations for a derivative version of the composite media work wherein
the derivative version includes capability for incorporating substituted
content: distribution, media format, pre-approved alteration parameter,
objectionable alteration, restricted alteration, and forbidden
alteration.

[0280]Another possible process feature that may be incorporated in a
computer program product includes maintaining a record of criteria
regarding possible content alteration, wherein the record of criteria
that includes forbidding or restricting a substitute component element
that includes one or more of following: profanity, violence, murder,
death, disfigurement, sexual behavior, nudity, ethnic slur, criminal
activity, drug usage, illegal symbol, proprietary material,
discriminatory depiction, defamation, slander, disparagement, dissenting
material, specified behavior, specified object, specified item, specified
depiction, and specified symbol.

[0281]Additional exemplary process features that may be incorporated in a
computer program product include providing criteria for possible content
alteration of a group set of related component elements or designated
aspects capable of alteration.

[0282]Of course various other process aspects disclosed herein may also be
incorporated into one or more computer program products, depending on the
circumstances.

[0283]The flow chart of FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment 2430 for a
computer program product including media for encoding instructions to
execute a process (block 2432). Such an exemplary process may include
providing a classification method for alterable component elements
incorporated in a composite media work (block 2433); maintaining a record
of criteria regarding possible content alteration of one or more of the
alterable component elements, which record identifies a designated aspect
of the one or more alterable component elements that is feasible for
alteration (block 2434); and making such criteria accessible to an
interested party (block 2435).

[0284]Additional possible features may include signal-bearing storage
media for encoding the instructions to execute the process (block 2436),
and signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions to
execute the process (block 2437).

[0285]Other possible process features for incorporation in a computer
program product may include maintaining a record of criteria applicable
to one or more of the following type of possible content alteration:
textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, and animation. Additional
exemplary process features for computer program embodiments may include
maintaining a record of criteria applicable to one or more of the
following type of alterable component elements: music, setting, hero,
heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals, food, product,
brand, and dialogue.

[0286]Exemplary computer program instructions may also implement a process
that includes maintaining a record of criteria applicable to possible
content alteration of one or more of the following: related set of
designated aspects, related set of alterable components, identical
objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different
settings.

[0287]As a further example of process components that may be incorporated
in a computer program product, such a process component may provide a
classification system that identifies the following categories of
alterable content incorporated in the composite media work: brand,
trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity,
symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress,
packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification,
slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and
personage.

[0288]A further exemplary process feature for possible incorporation in a
computer program product may include maintaining a record of criteria for
addition or deletion or modification or replacement of an alterable
component element or a designated aspect which are associated with a
real-world entity, or in some instances which are associated with a
real-world person.

[0292]Referring to the high level flow chart of FIG. 36, an exemplary
process embodiment 2500 may include providing a content substitution
method for media works (block 2501), confirming that a composite media
work includes one or more identifiable component elements having a
designated aspect that is feasible for possible alteration (block 2502),
and maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a
content alteration of such designated aspect (block 2503).

[0293]FIG. 37 is a more detailed flow chart illustrating exemplary
embodiment features 2510 that include previously described process
components 2501, 2502, 2503 along with maintaining an additional record
of secondary authorization rights applicable to substituted content
(block 2511). A related feature may include providing substituted content
that includes a substitute component element or a substitute designated
aspect incorporated as a content alteration in the composite media work
(block 2512).

[0298]Other possible process features relate to maintaining authorization
data applicable to content alteration of one or more designated aspects
that are associated with a real-world entity (block 2504). For example,
some implementation features may include maintaining authorization data
applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more
designated aspects that are associated with the real-world entity (block
2522).

[0302]Another possible process feature may include maintaining specified
authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more
designated aspects associated with the real-world entity having one or
more of the following characteristics: lost, dissolved, bankrupt,
insolvent, defunct, non-operative, disqualified, in default of
obligation, status change, defective right, relinquished right, faulty
claim, non-renewal of prerogative, and expired authorization (block
2532). Additional possible enhancements may include maintaining specified
authorization data regarding possible content alteration of one or more
designated aspects in response to a relevant communication from the
real-world entity (block 2533).

[0303]As further illustrated in FIG. 39, some embodiments may include
identifying a person or group or entity required to approve alteration of
the one or more component elements or alteration of the designated aspect
(block 2536). Other possible process features may include providing one
or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining
consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization
rights: programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative
version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary
characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating
(block 2537).

[0304]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 40 depicts various illustrated
embodiment features 2540 including previously described process
components 2501, 2502, 2503 along with maintaining particular
authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more
designated aspects that are associated with a real-world person (block
2505). Some related possible implementation features may include
maintaining particular authorization data applicable to adding or
deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that
are associated with the real-world person (block 2541).

[0306]Further possible enhancements may include maintaining the particular
authorization regarding content alteration of one or more designated
aspects in the event the real-world person has died or retired or
otherwise changed status (block 2543), and maintaining the particular
authorization regarding content alteration of one or more designated
aspects in response to a relevant communication from the real-world
person (block 2544).

[0308]Referring to the illustrated embodiment features 2550 of FIG. 41,
previously described process components 2501, 2502, 2503 are depicted in
combination with maintaining authorization data regarding content
alteration for one or more of the following specified portions of the
composite work: frame, scene, setting, building, house, office, store,
room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, and country (block
2551).

[0309]Another possible enhancement may include maintaining a record of
specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular person
or character portrayed in the composite media work (block 2553). A
related exemplary enhancement may include maintaining the record of
specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular actor
or actress appearing in the composite media work (block 2554)

[0310]Additional exemplary process features may include maintaining the
record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to a
particular object or item depicted in the composite media work (block
2556). Related exemplary features may include maintaining the record of
specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular
category of products depicted in the composite media work (block 2557).

[0312]FIG. 42 illustrates various process embodiment features 2560
including previously depicted process components 2501, 2502, 2503 along
with maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or more
of the following targeted categories for the composite media work:
geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, and
demographic distribution (block 2561). Other possible enhancements may
include maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or
more of the following type of component elements: textual, verbal,
visual, image, audio, musical, and animation (block 2562).

[0313]Additional implementation features may include maintaining
particular authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or
more of the following: related set of designated aspects, related set of
designated components, identical objects, same object in different
scenes, and same object in different settings (block 2563). Further
possible features may include providing a record of informational data
with respect to pending content alterations awaiting consent from a
person or group or entity having primary authorization rights (block
2566), and providing a record of informational data with respect to
approved content alterations of the composite media work (block 2567).

[0314]Referring to FIG. 43, another exemplary embodiment 2570 may provide
a computer program product including media for encoding instructions to
execute a process (block 2571). Such a process may include providing
access to informational data regarding a designated composite media work
(block 2572); facilitating identification of one or more component
elements incorporated in the designated composite media work, wherein
such component element includes a designated aspect that is feasible for
possible alteration (block 2573); and maintaining a record of primary
authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the component
element or the designated aspect (block 2574).

[0315]Related possible features may include providing signal-bearing
storage media for encoding the instructions for executing the process
(block 2576), and providing signal-bearing communication media for
encoding the instructions for executing the process (block 2577).

[0316]Further possible process features that may be incorporated in a
program product embodiment include maintaining a record of primary
authorization rights for addition or deletion or modification or
replacement of an alterable component element or a designated aspect
which are associated with a real-world entity, or in some instances which
are associated with a real-world person.

[0318]A further exemplary process feature of a program product embodiment
may include maintaining specified authorization data applicable to
alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated
with a real-world entity: product, service, invention, accessory,
vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school, university,
hospital, church, club, group, organization, and business.

[0320]Further possible process features in a program product embodiment
may include maintaining a record of primary authorization rights
applicable to one or more of the following type of possible content
alteration: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, and
animation. Other exemplary computer program product features may include
maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to one or
more of the following type of alterable component elements: music,
setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals,
food, product, brand, and dialogue.

[0321]Another exemplary feature of a program product embodiment may
include maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable
to possible content alteration of one or more of the following: related
set of designated aspects, related set of alterable component elements,
identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in
different settings.

[0322]Further exemplary program product features may include maintaining a
record of primary authorization rights that identifies one or more of the
following type of targeted categories for a derivative version of the
composite media work wherein the derivative version includes capability
for incorporating substituted content: geographic distribution,
distribution channel, audience, recipient group, targeted device, time
period, and demographic distribution.

[0326]Further possibilities for a program product implementation may
include providing a record of primary authorization rights that includes
maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following
type of primary authorization rights: contractual, proprietary,
copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive, license, consent,
governmental, judicial, third party restriction, transfer, exchange,
conditional, and jurisdictional.

[0327]It will be understood that a computer program product embodiment may
further include maintaining a record of informational data regarding one
or more of the following type of person or entity having primary
authorization rights: creator, writer, editor, animator, producer,
composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor,
sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity,
programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual
group member.

[0328]Additional process features for a computer program product
embodiment may include implementing one or more of the following type of
approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or
entity having primary authorization rights: programmed,
pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute
content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute
content rating, and aggregate content rating. Another program product
feature may include maintaining a record of primary authorization rights
applicable to one or more of the following: particular person or
character portrayed in the composite media work; particular actor of
actress appearing in the composite work; particular object or item
depicted in the composite media work; and a particular category of
products depicted in the composite media work.

[0329]In some implementations, a program product feature may include
maintaining a record of specified primary authorization rights regarding
alteration of one or more of the following type of content in the
composite media work: plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog,
color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics,
product, object, item, title, and credits. Another possible program
product feature may further include maintaining a record that includes
particular authorization data applicable to one or more of the following
targeted categories for the composite media work: geographic
distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, and
demographic distribution.

[0330]A further process feature of a computer program product embodiment
may include maintaining an additional record of secondary authorization
rights applicable to substitute content for the designated composite
media work.

[0331]The exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic block diagram of
FIG. 44 depict various modes of accessibility to data records for
authorization rights 2600 that relate to substitute media content. Such
accessibility modes are not intended to be limiting, and are provided
only for purposes of illustration. For example, user 2612 may have direct
accessibility to a local storage location for the data records for
authorization rights 2600 via access interface 2610. In some instances
such accessibility may be password protected or otherwise restricted in
order to maintain satisfactory data security.

[0332]Additional data record accessibility may be provided by computerized
apparatus 2620 that includes typical server functionality including but
not limited to programs 2622 for data management as well as data storage
2624. Such data storage 2624 could also provide backup storage as well as
supplemental or replacement storage for some of the data records for
authorization rights 2600. The computerized apparatus 2620 may have
communication links via network 2625 (e.g., WAN, LAN, Internet,
Peer-to-Peer, etc.) to many different types of access devices such as
transceiver 2626, smart terminal 2627, mobile device 2628, and the like.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that future network
accessibility may become ubiquitous, and the network access devices shown
are for purposes of illustration only.

[0333]Further data record accessibility may be provided to active user
2638 and inactive user 2639, both of whom may operate computerized
apparatus 2630, which includes an optional communication link 2631 to
network 2625 as well as a direct link to the data records for
authorization rights 2600. Additional data management functions may be
provided by processor 2632, controller 2633, memory 2634, applications
2636, and management module 2637.

[0335]Further possible topical categories may include an archived
derivative version 2670, related derivative version parameters 2672, and
informational data regarding ownership status of derivative version 2674.
Of course other possible topical categories may be included, and some
data categories may not be required, depending on the circumstances.

[0336]It will be understood from the exemplary system embodiments
disclosed herein that a system for media content alteration may include a
listing that identifies substitute altered content to be incorporated in
a derivative version of a composite media work. wherein the composite
media work includes one or more component elements or designated aspects
feasible for possible alteration. Such a listing may further include a
record of one or more of the following types of substitute altered
content to be incorporated in the derivative version: addition, deletion,
modification, and replacement.

[0337]Additional possible system features that identify substitute altered
content may include a further listing of the one or more of the following
type of substitute altered content to be incorporated in the derivative
version: related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable
components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same
object in different settings. Another exemplary system feature may
include a further listing of the one or more of the following type of
substitute altered content to be incorporated in the derivative version:
textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment,
simulation, and animation.

[0338]An exemplary system embodiment may further include a data record
regarding ownership status of secondary authorization rights applicable
to the substitute altered content. Such a system data record may also
include ownership status information applicable to a derivative version
that has incorporated the substitute altered content. Additional possible
system data records may include secondary authorization rights applicable
to one or more of the following targeted categories for the derivative
version: geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, MPAA
rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, time period,
and demographic distribution.

[0339]As rating systems become more widespread in various countries of the
world, it will be understood that some traditional rating systems may be
revised and in some instances adapted for new media categories. Also new
rating systems may be developed and accepted by various media content
entities. The current rating standards developed by MPAA (Motion Picture
Association of America) are therefore included by way of example only
(e.g., G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and may be modified in the future.
Similarly the current rating standards developed by ESRB (Entertainment
Software Rating Board) are also included by way of example only (e.g.,
Early Childhood, Everyone, Everyone 10+, Teen, Mature, Adults Only) and
may modified in the future. Similarly so-called proprietary and
government rating systems are included by way of example only and are not
intended to be limiting.

[0340]Similarly, new/revised distribution channels as well as new/revised
media formats may be developed in the future, and the indicated
distribution channels and media formats are included by way of example
only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0343]In some instances an exemplary system data record may include
informational data regarding a specified derivative version of the
composite media work, wherein the specified derivative version already
includes the substitute altered content. Other possible system data
records may include informational data to identify a specified derivative
version having capability to incorporate future substitute content in
addition to the substitute altered content. Another possible system
embodiment component may include a management module to coordinate
compliance with the secondary authorization rights.

[0344]It will be further understood from the exemplary system features
disclosed herein that some embodiments may provide computerized apparatus
operably coupled to some of the various types of data records and
informational listings. User access to such data record and informational
listings may be provided via an access interface to the computerized
apparatus.

[0345]Referring to an exemplary process embodiment 2700 in FIG. 45, an
implementation may provide a content substitution method for media works
(block 2701), including confirming that a composite media work includes
one or more identifiable component elements having a designated aspect
that is feasible for possible alteration (block 2702), and specifying
substitute altered content for possible incorporation in a derivative
version of the composite media work (block 2703). Other exemplary
features may include specifying substitute altered content that includes
a substituted component element or a substituted designated aspect to be
included as a content alteration in the composite media work (block
2704), and determining an ownership status of the substitute altered
content (block 2705).

[0346]Additional detailed embodiment implementations 2710 illustrated in
FIG. 46 include previously described process features 2701, 2702, 2703,
2704, 2405 in combination with determining an ownership status of primary
authorization rights applicable to the composite media work (block 2712),
and specifying substitute altered content that includes one or more of
the following types of content alteration to be included in the composite
media work: addition, deletion, modification, and replacement (block
2714).

[0347]Another possible process feature may include implementing content
alteration of one or more identifiable component elements or designated
aspects that were associated with a known real-world entity, in response
to a relevant communication from the real-world entity (block 2716).
Further possible enhancements may include implementing content alteration
of one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that
were associated with a known real-world entity having one or more of the
following characteristics: lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct,
non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change,
defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of
prerogative, and expired authorization (block 2718).

[0348]Referring to illustrated embodiments 2720 in FIG. 47, previously
described process features 2702, 2703, 2704 may be combined with
maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such
substitute altered content that has been incorporated in the derivative
version of the composite media work (block 2722). A related exemplary
feature may include maintaining informational data regarding secondary
authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content
incorporated in one or more of the following type of derivative versions
of the composite media work: original, derived, archived, stored, master,
edited, combined, mixed, merged, integrated, dubbed, captioned,
subtitled, expurgated, uncut, preview, pre-release, final, special
edition, animated, freeze frame, sequential still, translated, targeted,
restricted access, promotional, sponsored, subsidized, contracted
release, and specified purpose (block 2724).

[0354]The flow chart of FIG. 48 further depicts additional process
features including maintaining secondary authorization rights data
applicable to substitute altered content that includes one or more
substituted component elements or substituted designated aspects
associated with a real-world entity (block 2736), and maintaining
secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered
content that includes one or more of the following types of content
alteration: addition, deletion, modification, and replacement (block
2738).

[0357]The exemplary embodiments 2750 disclosed in FIG. 50 include
previously described process features 2702, 2703, 2704, 2722, in
combination with maintaining secondary authorization rights data
applicable to substitute altered content that includes one or more
substituted component elements or substituted designated aspects
associated with a real-world person (block 2752). Another possible
implementation feature may include maintaining secondary authorization
rights data applicable to substitute altered content that includes one or
more of the following types of content alteration: addition, deletion,
modification, and replacement (block 2754).

[0359]The exemplary embodiments 2760 disclosed in FIG. 51 include
previously described process features 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705 as
well as implementing content alteration of one or more identifiable
component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a
known real-world person having one or more of the following
characteristics: deceased, retired, disappeared, not locatable, and
status change (block 2762). Additional implementation enhancements may
include implementing content alteration of one or more identifiable
component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a
known real-world person, in response to a relevant communication from the
real-world person (block 2764).

[0360]Other exemplary features disclosed in FIG. 51 include identifying a
person or group or entity having an ownership right respecting substitute
altered content to be incorporated in the derivative version of the
composite work (block 2766), and providing one or more of the following
type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group
or entity having secondary authorization rights respecting the substitute
altered content incorporated in the derivative version of the composite
work: programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version
review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary
characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating
(block 2768).

[0363]The flow chart of FIG. 52 also illustrates other exemplary
possibilities including maintaining informational data regarding
specified secondary authorization rights applicable to a particular
portrayal or appearance or depiction in the substitute altered content
(block 2774). For example, such informational data may be applicable to a
portrayal of a particular person or character (block 2776), an appearance
by a particular actor or actress (block 2777), a depiction of a
particular object or item (block 2778), and a depiction of a particular
category of products (block 2779).

[0364]The detailed exemplary features 2780 illustrated in the flow chart
of FIG. 53 include previously described features 2702, 2703, 2704, 2722
in combination with maintaining the record of specified secondary
authorization rights regarding substitute altered content included in one
or more of the following portions of the derivative version of the
composite media work: plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog,
color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics,
product, object, item, title, distributor, creative credit, production
credit, funding credit, and sponsorship (block 2782).

[0365]Other possible implementation enhancements may include maintaining
particular secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute
altered content incorporated in one or more of the following targeted
categories of derivative versions of the composite media work: geographic
distribution, distribution channel, audience, MPAA rating, ESRB rating,
proprietary rating, government rating, time period, and demographic
distribution (block 2784). In some instances an exemplary embodiment may
further include maintaining particular secondary authorization rights
data applicable to one or more of the following type of substitute
altered content: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live
action, reenactment, simulation, and animation (block 2786).

[0366]As shown in the illustrated embodiments 2790 of FIG. 54, exemplary
possible features may include those previously described 2701, 2702,
2703, 2704, 2705 as well as specifying substitute altered content that
includes one or more of the following: related set of designated aspects,
related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in
different scenes, and same object in different settings (block 2792).

[0367]In some instances various enhancements relating to records may be
provided, including providing a record of informational data with respect
to pending substitute altered content awaiting consent from a person or
group or entity having primary authorization rights applicable to the
composite media work (block 2794), and providing a record of
informational data with respect to substitute altered content approved
for incorporation in a derivative version of the composite media work
(block 2796).

[0368]The flow chart diagram of FIG. 55 illustrates an exemplary
embodiment 2800 for a computer program product, including signal-bearing
media having one or more computer programs with instructions for
executing a process (block 2801). Such a process may include providing
access to informational data regarding a composite media work having one
or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects feasible
for possible alteration (block 2802), identifying substitute altered
content that includes a substituted component element or a substituted
designated aspect to be incorporated in a derivative version of the
composite media work (block 2803), and maintaining a record of secondary
authorization rights applicable to the substitute altered content (block
2804).

[0369]Additional possible features may include signal-bearing storage
media for encoding the instructions for executing the process (block
2806), and in some instances may include signal-bearing communication
media for encoding the instructions for executing the process (block
2808).

[0370]Some computer program product implementations regarding substitute
altered content may include various combinations of process features in
order to achieve the desired benefits. For example, a program process may
include maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable
to substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following
types of content alteration: addition, deletion, modification, and
replacement.

[0372]Other program product embodiments may maintain specified secondary
authorization data applicable to one or more of the following portions of
substitute altered content associated with the real-world entity: livery,
color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture,
artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event,
exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, obscured
attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar. Additional possible program
product features may include implementing content alteration of one or
more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were
associated with a known real-world entity having one or more of the
following characteristics: lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct,
non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change,
defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of
prerogative, and expired authorization.

[0373]In some instances, a program product feature may maintain specified
secondary authorization data applicable to one or more of the following
portions of substitute altered content associated with the real-world
entity: product, service, invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address,
location, store, building, school, university, hospital, church, club,
group, organization, and business.

[0375]Other possible program product features regarding substitute altered
content may include implementing content alteration of one or more
identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were
associated with a known real-world person having one or more of the
following characteristics: deceased, retired, disappeared, not locatable,
and status changed. Another program product embodiment feature may
maintain a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to
substitute altered content incorporated in one or more of the following
portions of a derivative version of the composite media work: textual,
verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment,
simulation, and animation.

[0376]Some program product embodiments may maintain a record of secondary
authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content
incorporated in one or more of the following portions of a derivative
version of the composite media work: music, setting, hero, heroine,
villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals, food, product, brand, and
dialogue. In some instances a further program product feature may include
maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to one
or more of the following type of substitute altered content: related set
of designated aspects, related set of component elements, identical
objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different
settings.

[0380]Further possibilities for program product features may include
maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights
applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative
version for one or more of the following type of distribution channels:
Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast,
download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video,
packet switching, and storage media delivery. Other possible program
product embodiments may maintain informational data regarding one or more
of the following type of secondary authorization rights: contractual,
proprietary, copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive,
license, consent, governmental, judicial, third party restriction,
transfer, exchange, conditional, public domain, and jurisdictional.

[0382]A further example of program product features may include
implementing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for
obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having secondary
authorization rights: programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent,
derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review,
summary characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate
content rating. Other examples of program product features may include
maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to one
or more of the following: particular person or character portrayed in the
substitute altered content; particular actor of actress appearing in the
substitute altered content; particular object or item depicted in the
substitute altered content; and particular category of products depicted
in the substitute altered content;

[0383]Additional exemplary embodiments of program products may maintain a
record of specified secondary authorization rights regarding substitute
altered content incorporated in one or more of the following portions of
a derivative version of the composite media work: plot, story, animation,
text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product,
sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, and credits.
Further program product possibilities may include maintaining particular
secondary authorization data applicable to substitute altered content
incorporated in one or more of the following targeted categories of
derivative versions of the composite media work: geographic distribution,
distribution channel, audience, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary
rating, government rating, time period, and demographic distribution.

[0384]Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 56, an exemplary
system embodiment includes capture module 2820 capable of obtaining
previously captured content 2822 or newly captured content 2824 or in
some instances combinations thereof in order to create appropriate
substitute altered content 2826 for possible incorporation in a
derivative version of a composite media work. The capture module may be
operably coupled to computerized apparatus 2830 for further processing of
the substitute altered content 2826.

[0385]As shown in the exemplary embodiment features of FIG. 56, the
computerized apparatus 2840 is operably coupled to exemplary data records
2840 that include various informational data that may be helpful in
connection with implementing an addition or deletion or modification or
replacement of existing content in the composite media work. For example,
informational data regarding composite media work parameters 2841 may
identify content portions of the composite media work that are feasible
for alteration including one or more alterable aspects 2842, one or more
alterable elements 2843, as well as one or more alterable group sets
2844.

[0386]Additional archive records 2845 may include a media works library
2846 for various original media works as well as a collection of one or
more derivative versions 2848. Related data records may include
alteration criteria 2850, primary authorization rights 2852, and
secondary authorization rights 2854, all of which individually and
collectively provide modification guidelines for the media works library
2846 and for derivative versions 2848.

[0387]As further shown in FIG. 56, an exemplary management module 2860 is
operably coupled to the computer apparatus 2830 and is configured for
access to the data records 2840 and to coordinate compliance with the
alteration criteria 2850 and with applicable primary authorization rights
2852 and secondary authorization rights 2854.

[0388]The exemplary computer apparatus 2830 includes an editor module 2832
to incorporate the substitute altered content 2826 in a derivative
version of the composite media work. A schematic diagram portion of FIG.
56 depicts a possible function of the editor module 2832 wherein an
existing image frame 2870 in a composite media work has been transformed
to a corresponding altered image frame 2880 in a derivative version. Of
course various different types of content substitution that may be
accomplished in accordance with the alteration techniques disclosed
herein, and the examples depicted in FIG. 56 are for illustration only
and are not intended to be limiting.

[0389]The symbolic representations in existing image frame 2870 include a
character component Ella 2872, background elements 2873, foreground
elements 2874, a product 2876, and a close-up view of a vehicle 2877 with
a logo aspect 2878. In accordance with applicable modification guidelines
(e.g., alteration criteria 2850, primary authorization rights 2852,
secondary authorization rights 2854, etc.), the background elements 2873
and the character component Ella 2872 are not feasible for alteration,
and therefore are shown to be unchanged in the altered image frame 2880.

[0390]However various system components including computerized apparatus
2830 with editor module 2832 have implemented alteration of other
elements and aspects in the altered image frame 2880 of the derivative
version. For example, logo aspect 2878 has been deleted, and the close-up
view of vehicle 2877 has been replaced with a medium-distance view of two
such vehicles 2877a. A new character component Eric 2871 has been added,
and a new product 2886 has also been added.

[0391]Other alterations shown include a modified product 2876a having a
different position or appearance (e.g., portions obscured, textual aspect
changed, etc.) in altered image frame 2880. Another alteration shown
includes a depiction of modified foreground elements 2884 with a somewhat
different appearance as compared to the original foreground elements
2874.

[0392]Some system data record embodiment features may include different
types of informational data, depending on the circumstances. For example,
some implementations may provide a listing of at least one designated
aspect of the one or more component elements of a composite media work,
which aspect is feasible for alteration. Other implementations may
include informational data regarding applicable alteration criteria that
identifies one or more alteration limitations applicable to the
substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version of the
composite media work.

[0394]Further data record feature enhancements for content alteration may
provide informational data regarding applicable alteration criteria that
includes one or more distribution channel limitations for the derivative
version that incorporates the substitute altered content. Related data
record features may include applicable alteration criteria regarding a
limitation allowing or precluding one or more of the following
distribution channels: Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless,
broadcast, narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming
audio, streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery.

[0395]Additional exemplary system data records may include informational
data that identifies an entity and/or a person associated with
substituted content incorporated in the derivative version of the
composite media work.

[0396]It will be understood that various other system embodiments may be
implemented in accordance with the content substitution techniques
disclosed herein. For example, an editor module may configured to
incorporate in a derivative version one or more of the following
categories of substitute altered content: related set of designated
aspects, related set of alterable components, identical objects, same
object in different scenes, and same object in different settings. As a
further example, an editor module may be configured to incorporated
substitute altered content in a derivative version targeted for one or
more of the following: geographic area, demographic category, ethnic
group, restricted audience, specified devices, group membership,
subscriber, distribution channel, distribution time period, and media
provider.

[0397]Additional possible system embodiments may include an editor module
configured to incorporated substitute altered content in the derivative
version targeted for one or more of the following distribution channels:
Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast,
download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video,
packet switching, and storage media delivery.

[0398]Some system embodiments may include a capture module capable of
obtaining one or more of the following type of substitute altered
content: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action,
reenactment, simulation, and animation. Other exemplary capture modules
may have capability to obtain substitute altered content having one or
more of the following type of designated aspects associated with a
real-world entity: brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work,
name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype,
trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym,
abbreviation, certification, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary
rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character,
copyrighted item, and personage.

[0400]Further possible system embodiment features may include a management
module operably coupled to computer apparatus and configured to
coordinate compliance with applicable alteration criteria as well as
compliance with certain primary authorization rights regarding the
composite media work.

[0401]The high level flow chart of FIG. 57 illustrates an exemplary
process embodiment 2900 that provides an implementation method for
content alteration in a media work (block 2901), including identifying a
composite media work having one or more component elements feasible for
alteration (block 2902), and obtaining specified substitute altered
content for possible incorporation in a derivative version of the
composite media work (block 2903). Additional possible features may
include obtaining specified substitute altered content that is deemed to
be in compliance with applicable alteration criteria and/or with certain
primary authorization rights regarding the composite media work (block
2904), and implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content
in the derivative version (block 2905).

[0402]Referring to detailed exemplary embodiment features 2910 shown in
FIG. 58, a possible implementation may include previously described
process features 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905, and may further include
concurring with a determination that the specified substitute altered
content is in compliance with applicable alteration criteria regarding
one or more of the following type of alteration of the one or more
component elements: addition, deletion, modification, and replacement
(block 2911). A possible related feature may include utilizing one or
more of the following type of approval techniques to make a determination
that the specified substitute altered content is in compliance with the
applicable alteration criteria: programmed, pre-authorization, delegated
agent, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration
review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, and
aggregate content rating (block 2912).

[0403]Additional disclosed possibilities may include concurring with a
determination that the specified substitute altered content is in
compliance with one or more of the following type of pre-approved
alteration parameters: substitute component element, substitute
designated aspect, substitution process, alternate media format, and
alternate distribution channel (block 2914). In some instances a further
possible enhancement may include concurring with a determination that the
specified substitute altered content is in compliance with alteration
limitations that include forbidding or restricting alteration of one or
more of following type of component elements: plot, story, animation,
text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product,
sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, distributor,
creative credit, production credit, funding credit, and sponsorship
(block 2916).

[0405]Other possibilities may include making a determination that
specified substitute altered content is in compliance with one or more of
the following types of applicable alteration criteria: automatic,
contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and
compensation (block 2924). Further exemplary features may include
concurring with a determination that the specified substitute altered
content is in compliance with the certain primary authorization rights
regarding the one or more component elements feasible for alteration
(block 2926).

[0406]The flow chart of FIG. 59 also illustrates a further possible
enhancement including utilizing one or more of the following type of
approval techniques to make a determination that the specified substitute
altered content is in compliance with certain primary authorization
rights: programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative
version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary
characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating
(block 2928).

[0407]The various exemplary embodiment features 2930 shown in FIG. 60
include previously described features 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905 in
combination with identifying a composite media work wherein the one or
more component elements include a designated aspect feasible for
alteration (block 2932). Further possibilities may include implementing
one or more of the following types of content alteration of the
designated aspect feasible for alteration: addition, deletion,
modification, and replacement (block 2934).

[0408]Additional enhancements may include implementing incorporation of
the substitute altered content based on a determination that the
designated aspect feasible for alteration was previously associated with
a stated real-world entity having one or more of the following
characteristics: lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct,
non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change,
defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of
prerogative, and expired authorization (block 2936).

[0409]As further shown in FIG. 60, in some instances a process embodiment
may include implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content
based on a determination that the designated aspect feasible for
alteration is associated with a stated real-world person who has died or
retired or otherwise changed status (block 2937). Other related possible
features may include implementing incorporation of the substitute altered
content in response to a relevant communication received from a stated
real-world entity or from a stated real-world person that were previously
associated with the designated aspect feasible for alteration (block
2938).

[0412]Further process enhancements may include obtaining substitute
altered content for incorporation in a derivative version to be
distributed via one or more of the following type of distribution
channels: Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast,
narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio,
streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery (block
2948).

[0413]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 62 shows additional exemplary
features 2950 that may be included in a process embodiment, including
previously described operations 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905 along with
obtaining substitute altered content for incorporation in a derivative
version targeted for one or more of the following: geographic area,
demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified
devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution
time period, and media provider (block 2951).

[0417]Other exemplary process features may include identifying a composite
work having one or more of the following specified portions feasible for
alteration: frame, scene, setting, building, house, office, store, room,
vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, and country (block 2964),
and identifying a composite work having one or more of the following
specified portions feasible for alteration: landscape, vegetation,
packaging, labeling, arrangement, item display, items depicted, signage,
informational sign, directional sign, seasonal setting, temporal setting,
light intensity, directional lighting, shadow, character statement,
compass orientation, foreground, and background (block 2966).

[0418]Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 64, additional exemplary
embodiment features 2970 may include previously described process
operations 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905 as well as other features relating to
various types of substitute altered content. For example, some
implementations may include obtaining one or more of the following type
of substitute altered content: related set of designated aspects, related
set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different
scenes, and same object in different settings (block 2971). Other
possible implementations may include obtaining one or more of the
following type of substitute altered content: textual, verbal, audio,
musical, visual, image, live action, reenactment, simulation, and
animation (block 2972). Additional possible enhancements may include
obtaining substitute altered content for one or more of the following
type of component elements feasible for alteration: music, setting, hero,
heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animal, food, product,
brand, and dialogue (block 2973).

[0419]The high level flow chart of FIG. 65 illustrates a further exemplary
process 2980 providing an alteration method for incorporating substitute
content in media works (block 2981). Other exemplary features may include
obtaining substitute altered content deemed to be in compliance with
applicable modification guidelines regarding one or more component
elements of a composite media work, wherein the one or more component
elements are feasible for alteration (block 2982). Further possibilities
may include editing the composite media work by incorporating the
substitute altered content in a derivative version of the composite media
work (block 2983).

[0420]Additional possible process features 2985 shown in FIG. 66 may
include previously described operations 2981, 2982, 2983 along with
further enhancements related to applicable modification guidelines for a
composite media work. For example, some embodiments may include obtaining
previously captured substitute content that is deemed to be in compliance
with the applicable modification guidelines (block 2986), and obtaining
one or more of the following types of previously captured substitute
content: textual, visual, image, audio, musical, live action,
reenactment, simulation, and animation (block 2987).

[0421]Other possible embodiment features may include obtaining newly
captured substitute content that is deemed to be in compliance with the
applicable modification guidelines (block 2988), and obtaining one or
more of the following types of newly captured substitute content:
textual, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment,
simulation, and animation (block 2989).

[0422]As further illustrated in FIG. 66, additional possible enhancements
may include identifying an existing composite media work having the one
or more component elements feasible for alteration (block 2974), creating
a newly captured composite media work having the one or more component
elements feasible for alteration (block 2976), and making a determination
that the specified substitute altered content is in compliance with one
or more of the following types of applicable modification guidelines:
automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and
compensation (block 2978).

[0423]The embodiment 2990 illustrated in FIG. 67 provides a computer
program product including one or more computer programs with instructions
encoded on signal-bearing media to execute a process (block 2991). Such a
process may include identifying a composite media work having one or more
component elements feasible for alteration (block 2992), obtaining access
to substitute altered content suitable for an addition or deletion or
modification or replacement of existing content in a component element
(block 2993), confirming that the substitute altered content is deemed to
be in compliance with applicable alteration criteria and/or with certain
primary authorization rights regarding the composite media work (block
2994), and implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content
in a derivative version of the composite media work (block 2995).

[0424]Further possible features may include signal-bearing storage media
for encoding the instructions to execute the process (block 2996), and
signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions to
execute the process (block 2998).

[0425]It will be understood that computer program product embodiments that
implement content alteration have many operational possibilities. For
example, some program embodiments may implement incorporation of the
substitute altered content in a derivative version targeted for one or
more of the following: geographic area, demographic category, ethnic
group, restricted audience, specified devices, group membership,
subscriber, distribution channel, distribution time period, and media
provider.

[0426]Additional program product embodiments may confirm compliance
regarding one or more of the following type of limitations for the
derivative version incorporating the substitute altered content:
distribution, media format, pre-approved alteration parameter,
objectionable alteration, restricted alteration, and forbidden
alteration. Further possible program product features may include
implementing incorporation in a derivative version of one or more of the
following type of substitute altered content: related set of designated
aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same
object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

[0427]Other exemplary program product embodiments may implement in a
derivative version the incorporation of one or more of the following type
of substitute altered content: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio,
musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation. Other
possible program product features may include implementing incorporation
of one or more of the following type of substitute altered content:
brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name,
identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade
dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation,
certification, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government
rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item,
and personage.

[0428]Further possibilities for program product features include
implementing in a derivative version the incorporation of one or more of
the following portion of substitute altered content associated with a
real-world entity: livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern,
design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication,
document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character,
obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar. Other program
product embodiments may include implementing in a derivative version the
incorporation of one or more of the following portion of substitute
altered content associated with a real-world entity: product, service,
invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building,
school, university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, and
business.

[0430]In some instances a computer program product embodiment may provide
for maintenance of beneficial data records regarding implementation of
media content substitution in a derivative version. Possible exemplary
features may include maintaining a record of a real-world entity and/or a
real-world person associated with substitute altered content that is
incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media work. In
other instances a program product embodiment may include maintenance of a
record of criteria applicable to one or more of the following type of
alterable component elements incorporated in a derivative version: music,
setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals,
food, product, brand, and dialogue.

[0432]The schematic block diagram of FIG. 68 illustrates various exemplary
embodiment features for content substitution in composite media works. An
exemplary composite media work 3000 may include contributions from many
persons and diverse sources, including but not limited to pre-existing
source material 3010, adapted source material 3015, as well as created
source material 3020. In some instances an initial venture 3030 may have
sole responsibility for the entire composite media work 3000 or may
delegate much (possibly all) of that responsibility to other entities or
persons. In some circumstances an additional party such as real-world
venture 3034 may have direct responsibility for a particular designated
aspect 3026 included as part of one or more alterable component elements
3024. Nevertheless another designated aspect 3028 also included as part
of alterable component elements 3024 may be the responsibility of a
different party. In view of such combined derivation and control, it will
be understood that a so-called "original" composite media work is
included within the meaning of the term "derivative version" for
definitional purposes of the detailed description and claims herein.

[0433]Under some circumstances, initial venture 3030 may own primary
authorization rights to composite media work 3000 while at the same time
world-venture 3034 may own primary authorization rights to a designated
aspect 3026. As depicted in FIG. 68, composite media work 3000 may also
include some traditional non-alterable elements 3022 as well as one or
more alterable component elements 3024.

[0434]As further illustrated in FIG. 68, content of alterable component
elements 3024 and/or their designated aspects 3026, 3028 may in
accordance with applicable guidelines be modified in connection with the
creation or production of various types of derivative versions 3040,
3050, 3060, 3070. For example, derivative version 3050 may include
unchanged content 3052 as well as altered content such as substituted
content 3054 associated with a real-world venture 3055. Other substituted
content 3056 in derivative version 3050 may be associated with a
different real-world venture 3057.

[0435]As a further example, derivative version 3060 may include unchanged
content 3052 as well as the same substituted content 3054, and may
include some re-substituted content 3066 associated with yet another
real-world venture 3067.

[0436]As another example, derivative version 3070 may include unchanged
content 3052 as well as expired content 3072, some initial default
content 3074, and in addition may include new substituted content 3076
associated with still another real-world venture 3078.

[0437]It will be understood that such content changes in composite media
works as disclosed herein are dependent upon compliance with applicable
content alteration guidelines that may specifically include primary
authorization rights, secondary authorization rights, as well as content
alteration/modification criteria.

[0438]As disclosed in various exemplary system embodiments herein, a
system for content alteration may be implemented with respect to a group
of related component elements that are included in a constituent portion
of a composite media work. System data records may include applicable
alteration guidelines regarding collective replacement of such a group of
related alterable component elements, and such replacement may include an
addition or deletion or modification or replacement in a proposed
derivative version. For example, a composite media work may include one
or more of the following categories of related component elements:
related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable components,
identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in
different settings.

[0439]In some system embodiments, a composite media work may include a
group of one or more of the following type of related component elements
associated with a real-world entity: brand, trademark, service mark,
copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial
symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label,
emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, MPAA rating, ESRB
rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation,
animated character, copyrighted item, and personage. Other exemplary
composite media work embodiments may include a group of one or more of
the following type of related component elements associated with a
real-world entity: livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern,
design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication,
document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character,
obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar.

[0441]Other possible types of system records may include informational
data regarding one or more of the following type of limitations
applicable to a proposed derivative version: alteration limitation, media
format limitation, and distribution limitation.

[0442]Of course, other grouped categories of related alterable component
elements in a composite media work (e.g. derivative versions thereof,
etc.) are possible, as well as related data records for groupings of such
related alterable component elements. It will therefore be understood
that the examples disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration only
and are not intended to be limiting.

[0443]The exemplary embodiment 3200 of FIG. 69 provides a method of media
content substitution (block 3202) including identifying a group of
related content elements in a composite media work (block 3204), wherein
the related content elements are feasible for alteration and form a
constituent portion of the composite media work (block 3206); and
providing applicable alteration guidelines for collective replacement of
the group of related content elements in a derivative version of the
composite media work (block 3208).

[0444]The more detailed embodiments 3210 of FIG. 70 include previously
described process features 3202, 3204, 3206 along with identifying a
group of one or more of the following type of related content elements:
related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components,
identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in
different settings (block 3212). Other depicted enhancements may include
identifying a group of one or more of the following type of related
content elements: textual, verbal, audio, musical, visual image, live
action, reenactment, simulation, and animation (block 3213).

[0445]Additional possible process features may include identifying a group
of related audio content elements (block 3214) and video content elements
(block 3216) and audiovisual content elements (block 3218) in the
composite media work. Further implementation features may include
identifying a group of related content elements that include a brand or
symbol or logo or company name or trademark or service mark (block 3219).
Other possible enhancements may include identifying a group of related
content elements that include a depiction or representation of a
real-world entity (block 3221) and a depiction or representation of a
real-world person (block 3222).

[0446]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 71 depicts various exemplary
features 3220 including previously described operations 3202, 3204, 3206,
3208 along with identifying a group of related content elements that
include a depiction or representation of a real-world product (block
3226), and providing a quality control provision regarding specified
altered content designated for collective replacement in the derivative
version (block 3227).

[0447]Additional possible process features may include providing a
geographic distribution limitation regarding the derivative version that
incorporates the specified altered content designated for the collective
replacement (block 3228), and providing a quantitative viewing or
quantitative distribution copy limitation regarding the derivative
version that incorporates the specified altered content designated for
the collective replacement (block 3231). Other exemplary enhancements may
include providing a temporal viewing or temporal distribution limitation
regarding the derivative version that incorporates the specified altered
content designated for the collective replacement (block 3232).

[0448]Referring to FIG. 72, exemplary embodiment features 3225 may include
previously described operations 3202, 3204, 3206, 3208 in combination
with providing a targeted recipient audience limitation (block 3236) and
a targeted recipient device (block 3237) regarding the derivative version
that incorporates the specified altered content designated for the
collective replacement. Other possible implementation features may
include providing a compensation guideline including a monetary fee or
other consideration for the collective replacement (block 3238), and
identifying a group of related content elements that are designated for
entire group replacement only (block 3242).

[0450]Referring to exemplary embodiment features 3245 of FIG. 73,
previously described process features 3204, 3206, 3208 are illustrated
along with a possibility of providing recognition for one or more of the
following type of sponsorship credits associated with the collective
replacement: monetary contribution, monetary support, product donation,
and service donation (block 3246). Other possible features are
illustrated including providing applicable alteration guidelines for
collective replacement of a group of one or more of the following type of
related content elements: livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry,
pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition,
publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal,
mascot, character, obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar
(block 3247).

[0451]Additional possibilities may include providing applicable alteration
guidelines for collective replacement of a group of one or more of the
following type of related content elements: product, service, invention,
accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school,
university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, and business
(block 3248). Further exemplary enhancements may provide applicable
alteration guidelines for collective replacement of a group of one or
more of the following type of related content elements: textual, verbal,
audio, musical, visual, image, live action, reenactment, simulation, and
animation (block 3249).

[0452]Referring to FIG. 74, a further combination of exemplary process
features 3250 may include previously described operations 3204, 3206,
3208 along with providing applicable alteration guidelines for collective
replacement of a group of one or more of the following type of related
content elements: music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing,
vehicle, company, animal, food, product, brand, and dialogue (block
3252). Another possibility may include providing applicable alteration
guidelines for collective replacement of a group of one or more related
content elements associated with a real-world person (block 3253).

[0454]An exemplary computer program product embodiment 3260 in FIG. 75 may
include one or more computer programs with instructions encoded on
signal-bearing media to execute a process (block 3262), including
identifying a group of related content elements in a composite media
work, wherein the related content elements are feasible for alteration
and form a constituent portion of the composite media work (block 3263).
Additional exemplary programmed process features may include maintaining
a data record of applicable alteration guidelines for collective
replacement of the group of related content elements in a derivative
version of the composite media work, and making the applicable alteration
guidelines accessible to an interested party (block 3265).

[0455]Further illustrated features may include signal-bearing storage
media for encoding the instructions to execute the process ((block 3266)
and signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions to
execute the process (block 3268).

[0456]Referring to an illustrated embodiment 3300 depicted in the flow
chart of FIG. 76, an exemplary process may provide an implementation
method for group content alteration in a media work (block 3302),
including identifying a composite media work having a group of related
content elements feasible for alteration, wherein the related content
elements form a constituent portion of the composite media work (block
3303); and obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for
collective replacement in a derivative version of the composite media
work (block 3304). Additional possible features may include establishing
confirmation that the specified substitute altered content is deemed to
be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding the
composite media work (block 3306), and implementing incorporation of the
specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement of the
constituent portion in the derivative version (block 3307).

[0457]The exemplary process features 3310 illustrated in FIG. 77 include
previously described operations 3303, 3304, 3306 along with concurring
with a determination that the specified substitute altered content is in
compliance with applicable alteration criteria regarding one or more of
the following type of alteration of the group of related content
elements: addition, deletion, modification, and replacement (block 3312).
Other possible enhancements may include utilizing one or more of the
following type of approval techniques to make a determination that the
collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with
the applicable alteration guidelines: programmed, pre-authorization,
delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute content review,
alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating,
and aggregate content rating (block 3313).

[0458]Other possible implementation features may include concurring with a
determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version
is in compliance with one or more of the following type of pre-approved
alteration parameters: substitute component element, substitute
designated aspect, substitution process, alternate media format, and
alternate distribution channel (block 3314). In some instances a process
embodiment may include concurring with a determination that the
collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with
applicable alteration guidelines that include forbidding or restricting
alteration of one or more of following type of component elements: plot,
story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character,
clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item,
title, distributor, creative credit, production credit, funding credit,
and sponsorship (block 3316).

[0459]FIG. 77 also depicts additional exemplary process enhancements that
may include making a determination that the collective replacement in the
derivative version is in compliance with one or more of the following
types of applicable alteration criteria: automatic, contingent,
negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and compensation (block
3318).

[0460]Referring to detailed embodiment features 3320 depicted in FIG. 78,
a possible implementation may include previously described process
operations 3303, 3304, 3307 as well as concurring with a determination
that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in
compliance with applicable alteration guidelines forbidding or
restricting a substitute component element that includes one or more of
following: profanity, violence, murder, death, disfigurement, sexual
behavior, nudity, ethnic slur, criminal activity, drug usage, illegal
symbol, proprietary material, discriminatory depiction, defamation,
slander, disparagement, dissenting material, specified behavior,
specified object, specified item, specified depiction, and specified
symbol (block 3322).

[0461]Other possible process enhancements may include concurring with a
determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version
is in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines regarding the
group of related content elements feasible for alteration (block 3324),
and utilizing one or more of the following type of approval techniques to
make a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative
version is in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines:
programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version
review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary
characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating
(block 3326).

[0462]Additional possibilities may include implementing incorporation of
the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement in
the derivative version based on a determination that the group of related
content feasible for alteration is associated with a stated real-world
person who has died or retired or otherwise changed status (block 3327).

[0463]Referring to FIG. 79, additional possible exemplary process features
3330 are illustrated, include previously described operations 3303, 3304,
3306, 3307 along with implementing incorporation of the specified
substitute altered content as a collective replacement in the derivative
version based on a determination that the group of related content
feasible for alteration was previously associated with a stated
real-world entity having one or more of the following characteristics:
lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct, non-operative,
disqualified, in default of obligation, status change, defective right,
relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of prerogative, and expired
authorization (block 3331).

[0464]Other possible process enhancements may include implementing
incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective
replacement in the derivative version in response to a relevant
communication received from a stated real-world entity or from a stated
real-world person previously associated with the group of related content
feasible for alteration (block 3332). Additional exemplary features may
include obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for
collective replacement in one or more of the following type of derivative
versions: original, derived, archived, stored, master, edited, combined,
mixed, merged, integrated, dubbed, captioned, subtitled, expurgated,
uncut, preview, pre-release, final, special edition, animated, freeze
frame, sequential still, translated, targeted, restricted access,
promotional, sponsored, subsidized, contracted release, and specified
purpose (block 3334).

[0471]Some implementations my further include obtaining one or more of the
following type of specified substitute altered content: related set of
designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical
objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different
settings (block 3364).

[0472]Other possible enhancements may include obtaining specified
substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following
type of related content elements: textual, verbal, audio, musical,
visual, image, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation (block
3366). In some instances an exemplary process embodiment may further
include obtaining specified substitute altered content that includes one
or more of the following type of related content elements: music,
setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animal,
food, product, brand, and dialogue (block 3367).

[0473]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 83 illustrates further embodiment
features 3370, including previously described operations 3303, 3304,
3306, 3307 that may be combined with enabling a prospective recipient of
the derivative version to implement the collective replacement (block
3371), and with enabling the prospective recipient to choose between two
or more groups of specified substitute altered content (block 3372).
Another possible feature may include requiring a fee or other valuable
consideration from the prospective recipient (block 3373).

[0474]Additional process possibilities may include identifying a group of
one or more of the following type of related content elements: textual,
verbal, audio, musical, visual image, live action, reenactment,
simulation, and animation (block 3379). Some implementations may further
include identifying a composite media work having a group of one or more
of the following type of related content elements: related set of
designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical
objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different
settings (block 3374).

[0475]Also depicted in FIG. 83 are further possible enhancements,
including obtaining specified substitute altered content suitable for
incorporation as an integral component of the derivative version (block
3376). As shown by arrow 3382, such specified substitute altered content
may be further utilized in connection with various groupings of related
content elements (e.g., see block 3374) in a composite media work.
Another possible enhancement may include obtaining specified substitute
altered content that includes a product or service or activity associated
with a real-world venture (block 3377). As shown by arrow 3383, such
specified substitute altered content may be further utilized in
connection with various groupings of related content elements (e.g., see
block 3374) in a composite media work.

[0476]A further possible enhancement may include obtaining specified
substitute altered content to publicize or promote a topic related to a
real-world venture (block 3378). As shown by arrow 3381, such specified
substitute altered content may be further utilized in connection with
various groupings of related content elements (e.g., see block 3374) in a
composite work.

[0477]FIG. 84 illustrates an exemplary computer program product embodiment
that includes one or more computer programs with instructions encoded on
signal-bearing computer readable media to execute a process (block 3386).
Such an exemplary process may include identifying a composite media work
having a group of related content elements feasible for alteration,
wherein the related content elements form a constituent portion of the
composite media work (block 3387); and obtaining access to substitute
altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative
version of the composite media work (block 3388). Additional program
process features may include implementing incorporation of the substitute
altered content as a collective replacement of the constituent portion in
the derivative version, pursuant to applicable alteration guidelines
(block 3389).

[0478]Some program product implementations may further include
signal-bearing storage media for encoding the instructions to execute an
exemplary process (block 3392). Another implementation possibility may
include signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions
to execute an exemplary process (block 3394).

[0479]It will be understood from the drawings and descriptions herein that
many possible operational benefits may be obtained from an embodiment
implemented with computer-readable media bearing programmed process
instructions. For example, some computerized components and programmed
applications may provide for maintaining applicable alteration guidelines
regarding collective replacement of one or more of the following type of
related content elements: related set of designated aspects, related set
of designated components, identical objects, same object in different
scenes, and same object in different settings. Other programmed features
may include maintaining applicable alteration guidelines regarding
collective replacement of one or more of the following type of related
content elements: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live
action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

[0481]It will be understood that programmed process instructions may be
implemented for collective replacement (e.g., addition, deletion,
modification, replacement, etc.) of various groups of related alterable
component elements and designated aspects of a composite media work
(e.g., derivative versions thereof), and the exemplary recitation of such
a group of related content elements suitable for programmed processing is
not intended to be limiting but may be varied depending on the
circumstances. In some instances such a group of related content elements
may be associated with a real-world venture (e.g., real-world entity,
real-world person, etc.), and may be incorporated in a constituent
portion of a derivative version to publicize or promote a topic related
to the real-world venture.

[0482]The exemplary embodiment 3470 illustrated in FIG. 85 depicts a
computer program product including one or more computer programs having
instructions encoded on signal-bearing computer readable media to execute
a process (block 3472). A possible programmed process may include
identifying a composite media work having a constituent portion capable
of incorporating content associated with a real-world entity or
real-world person (block 3473); and obtaining access to substitute
promotional content suitable for an addition or deletion or modification
or replacement of content in the constituent portion of a derivative
version of the composite media work (block 3474), wherein the substitute
promotional content includes one or more content elements that publicize
or promote a particular topic related to the real-world entity or
real-world person (block 3475).

[0483]Another possible programmed process feature may include confirming
that the substitute promotional content is deemed to be in compliance
with applicable modification guidelines regarding the composite media
work (block 3476).

[0484]Many other computerized program enhancements may be implemented in
view of the exemplary disclosures herein, and some program enhancements
may not be necessary, depending on the circumstances.

[0485]Further possible computer program process features may include
confirming that the substitute promotional content is in compliance with
applicable alteration criteria and with certain primary authorization
rights regarding the composite media work. Another possible programmed
process operation may include confirming that the substitute promotional
content is in compliance with one or more of the following types of
limitations for the derivative version incorporating the substitute
promotional content: distribution, media format, pre-approved alteration
parameter, objectionable alteration, restricted alteration, and forbidden
alteration.

[0486]A programmed process may implement incorporation of many types of
substitute promotional content in a derivative version of a composite
media. For example, a possible programmed operation may implement
incorporation of the substitute promotional content in the derivative
version targeted for one or more of the following: geographic area,
demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified
devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution
time period, and media provider. Another exemplary programmed operation
may include implementing incorporation of one or more of the following
type of substitute promotional content: related set of designated
aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same
object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

[0490]A further programmed process operation may include obtaining access
to substitute promotional content having one or more of the following
type of content elements associated with the real-world entity or the
real-world person: product, service, and activity. Additional computer
program product features may include maintaining a record of the
real-world entity or a real-world person associated with substitute
promotional content incorporated in the derivative version of the
composite media work.

[0492]In some computer program product embodiments, a process feature may
include obtaining previously captured or newly captured substitute
promotional content that is deemed to be in compliance with the
applicable modification guidelines. A related program product feature may
include obtaining one or more of the following types of previously
captured or newly captured substitute promotional content: textual,
visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and
animation.

[0493]It will be understood that other process features involving
substitute promotional content may be implemented in computer readable
signal-bearing media such as a storage medium or a communication medium,
and the particular examples disclosed herein are only for purposes of
illustration.

[0494]The high level flow chart of FIG. 86 illustrates an exemplary
process embodiment 3480 that may include providing an alteration method
for incorporating substitute promotional content in media works (block
3482), and obtaining substitute promotional content that has been
approved or authorized for possible incorporation in a constituent
portion of a composite media work (block 3483).

[0495]Some embodiments may further include obtaining such substitute
promotional content, wherein the substitute promotional content
publicizes or promotes a real-world topic (block 3484). A further
possible enhancement may include editing the composite media work by
incorporating the substitute promotional content in the constituent
portion of a derivative version of the composite media work in accordance
with applicable modification guidelines (block 3485).

[0496]Referring to possible embodiment features 3490 illustrated in the
detailed flow chart of FIG. 87, the previously described process
operations 3482, 3483, 3484, 3485 may be combined with obtaining
substitute promotional content that publicizes or promotes a particular
topic related to a real-world entity or real-world person (block 3491). A
further possible process feature may include obtaining substitute
promotional content that publicizes or promotes a particular topic
selected by or on behalf of a real-world entity or real-world person
(block 3492).

[0498]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 88 depicts additional possible
embodiment features 3495 such as previously described features 3482,
3483, 3484, 3485 along with obtaining substitute promotional content for
incorporation in the derivative version targeted for one or more of the
following: geographic area, demographic category, ethnic group,
restricted audience, specified device, group membership, subscriber,
distribution channel, distribution time period, and media provider (block
3496). Further possible enhancements may include obtaining one or more of
the following types of previously captured or newly captured substitute
promotional content: textual, visual, image, audio, musical, live action,
reenactment, simulation, and animation (block 3497).

[0499]In some instances a process embodiment may further include making a
determination that the substitute promotional content is in compliance
with one or more of the following types of applicable modification
guidelines: automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended,
required, and compensation (block 3498).

[0500]As shown in FIG. 88, other possible process enhancements may include
editing the composite media work by incorporating newly captured
substitute promotional content in the constituent portion of the
derivative version (block 3487), and editing the composite media work by
incorporating previously captured substitute promotional content in the
constituent portion of the derivative version (block 3488).

[0501]Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 89, an exemplary
system embodiment may include capture module 3500 and interface 3502 that
is accessible to a user/operator 3504 or other appropriate party. The
capture module 3500 may include many types of devices capable of
obtaining (e.g., creating, storing, retrieving, combining, etc.)
substitute promotional content 3506, including but not limited to camera
modules, microphones, television units (e.g., receiver, transmitter),
camcorders, multi-function hybrid cell phones, server systems, CAD units,
etc. The capture module 3500 may include editor module 3520 as part of an
integral or collective unit. Cooperative interaction may be provided via
a communication interconnect 3524 in order to facilitate the editing of a
composite media work 3522 that results in providing a derivative version
output 3526.

[0502]The substitute promotional content 3506 may be obtained from newly
captured content 3512 as well as from media content located in internal
storage 3508, removable storage 3509 or remote storage device 3511. Newly
captured content may include separate or combined exemplary data input
elements such as audio 3513, video 3514, text 3515, live 3516 and
recorded 3517 content. Of course it will be understood that newly
captured content 3512 may be used separately and also used in combination
with previously captured content obtained from various storage locations
3508, 3509, 3511 in order to create the substitute promotional content
3506. The examples given are for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to be limiting.

[0503]The exemplary system embodiment of FIG. 89 may include data records
3545 that are linked to computerized apparatus 3530 having an access
interface 3532 for user 3533. The access interface 3532 may also provide
an interactive communication link with appropriate interested parties via
transceiver 3534. Such data records 3545 may include informational data
regarding one or more composite media works 3546, and may further include
content modification guidelines 3548 applicable to such composite media
works 3546.

[0504]The computerized apparatus 3530 illustrated in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 89 may be operatively coupled to capture module 3500
and editor module 3520. It will be understood that various data
management and data processing functions may be accomplished by
computerized apparatus 3530 which includes processor 3535, memory 3536,
one or more applications 3537, controller 3538, and management module
3539. Of course other local or remote computerized devices may also be
used for such data management and data processing functions regarding
substitute promotional content 3506 and its incorporation into a
derivative version output 3526.

[0505]Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 90, additional possible
embodiment features are depicted regarding the data records 3545 of FIG.
89. For example, data records 3545a may be accessible via a direct access
interface 3550 as well as from an external communication terminal 3592
via link 3593. Additional accessibility may be provided from an Internet
web page 3586 via link 3587. In some instances accessibility may also be
provided via link 3583 from composite media work version 3582.

[0506]FIG. 90 also illustrates additional possible features that may be
included in the informational data regarding composite media works 3546
of FIG. 89. For example, the informational data regarding composite media
works 3546a may include identification of one or more composite media
works 3570, as well as the following related information regarding such
composite media works: non-alterable constituent portions 3572, alterable
constituent portions with promotional content 3574, content elements
regarding real-world topics 3575, and groups of related promotional
content elements 3576. Additional informational data regarding alterable
content elements in such composite media works may relate to associated
real-world persons 3578 and associated real-world entities 3579. Other
possible data records may provide a listing of current derivative
versions 3580 of such composite media works.

[0507]FIG. 90 also illustrates additional possible data features that may
be included in the content modification guidelines 3548 of FIG. 89. For
example, detailed information regarding content modification guidelines
3548a applicable to certain composite media works (e.g., see
identification of composite media works 3570) may include primary
authorization rights 3552, secondary authorization rights 3554, and
applicable alteration criteria 3556. Further detailed information
regarding the content modification guidelines 3548a for such composite
media works may include derivative version target distribution 3558,
derivative version limitations 3559, and promotional content limitations
3562.

[0508]Other possible types of information may include approved/authorized
substitute promotional content 3564 and content substitution approval
techniques 3566 regarding such composite media works. It will be
understood that various representations of substitute promotional content
can be considered for incorporation as well as actually incorporated in a
derivative version of a composite media work. For example, various
different representative exemplars (e.g., story board, printout, still
frames, thumbnail excerpt, analog file, digital file, merged file, screen
display, textual transcript, etc.) of such substitute promotional content
may be transmitted, displayed, viewed, considered (e.g., rejected,
partially reject, etc), authorized, approved (e.g., pre-approved), and
ultimately incorporated in accordance with applicable modification
guidelines 3548 and approval techniques 3566.

[0509]As illustrated in the various exemplary system embodiments,
computerized apparatus may be operably coupled to the data record and to
the capture device, wherein the computerized apparatus facilitates
incorporating the substitute promotional content in the derivative
version. In some instances an editor module may be configured to
incorporate in the derivative version one or more of the following
categories of substitute promotional content: related set of designated
aspects, related set of alterable components, identical objects, same
object in different scenes, and same object in different settings. A
further possible system enhancement may include an editor module
configured to incorporate substitute promotional content in the
derivative version targeted for one or more of the following: geographic
area, demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified
devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution
time period, and media provider.

[0510]Other possible system embodiments may provide an editor module
configured to incorporated substitute promotional content in the
derivative version targeted for one or more of the following distribution
channels: Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast,
narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio,
streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery.

[0511]Other possible system implementations may include a capture module
capable of obtaining one or more of the following type of substitute
promotional content: textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live
action, reenactment, simulation, and animation. In some instances a
system embodiment may provide a capture module capable of obtaining
substitute promotional content having one or more of the following type
of content elements associated with the real-world entity or the
real-world person: product, service, and activity.

[0514]Further exemplary system embodiments may provide computerized
apparatus that includes a management module configured to coordinate
compliance with applicable modification guidelines regarding the
composite media work. Such compliance with modification guidelines may
include compliance with certain primary authorization rights and with
applicable alteration criteria.

[0515]Some exemplary system data records may include modification
guidelines regarding a media format limitation for the derivative version
that incorporates the substitute promotional content, and in some
instances may include modification guidelines regarding a limitation
allowing or precluding one or more of the following media formats for the
derivative version: analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD,
Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, upgraded, downgraded, future format
standard, video snippet, digitized vignette, data compression, and data
decompression.

[0516]Additional exemplary system data records may include modification
guidelines regarding a limitation allowing or precluding one or more
distribution channels for the derivative version that incorporates the
substitute altered content, and may further include modification
guidelines regarding a limitation allowing or precluding one or more of
the following type of distribution channels for the derivative version:
Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast,
download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video,
packet switching, and storage media delivery.

[0517]It will be further understood that some system data record
embodiments may include informational data that identifies the real-world
entity or a real-world person associated with substituted promotional
content incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media
work.

[0518]Of course some illustrated types of data records disclosed herein
may not be necessary, and additional related records may be maintained,
depending on the circumstances. Some exemplary system embodiments
involving substitute promotional content may further include a management
module operably configured to coordinate compliance with modification
guidelines that may include alteration criteria applicable to a composite
media work.

[0519]Referring to the exemplary process features 3600 depicted in FIG.
91, an exemplary embodiment regarding visual substitution options may
include providing a composite media work capable of authorized content
alteration (block 3602), identifying optional visual content that is
incorporated in a constituent component of the composite media work
(block 3603), and providing applicable alteration guidelines for one or
more derivative works that include an original or altered version of the
identified optional visual content (block 3604). Other possible process
components may include monitoring a status of the one or more derivative
works to obtain compliance data regarding the applicable alteration
guidelines (block 3605), and maintaining a record of the obtained
compliance data (block 3606).

[0522]Additional possibilities may include identifying one or more of the
following types of optional visual displays: sign, label, brand name,
logotype, insignia, signature, name, address, phone number, abbreviation,
acronym, document, message, instruction, receipt, currency, coinage,
code, title, credit, annotation, subtitle (block 3615). In some instances
a process embodiment may include identifying one or more optional visual
displays that include alphanumeric characters or symbols (block 3617).

[0523]Other possible features may include identifying optional visual
content associated with a real-world person or a real-world entity (block
3618). In some instances an exemplary process may include identifying
optional visual content that publicizes or promotes or advertises one or
more of the following: person, entity, product, service, activity,
campaign, experience invention, organization, business, topic, event,
media, virtual item, virtual environment (block 3619).

[0524]Additional exemplary features 3620 illustrated in FIG. 93 may
include previously described operations 3603, 3604, 3605, 3606 as well as
identifying a group of related optional visual content elements wherein
at least some or all of the identified group are capable of collective
alteration (block 3621). Related operations may include identifying one
or more identical or similar visual content elements appearing in
different scenes (block 3622), and identifying one or more of the same
visual content elements appearing in different settings (block 3623).

[0525]FIG. 93 also illustrates a possibility of identifying a default set
of related optional visual content elements as well as one or more
replacement sets of alternative visual content elements (block 3624). A
related possible operation may include providing a selection of either
the default set or at least one of the replacement sets for incorporation
in a particular derivative work (block 3625).

[0526]Some exemplary implementations may provide a selection of either the
default set or at least one of the replacement sets based on one or more
of the following: targeted audience, targeted device, distribution
channel, media format, temporal viewing period, playback, replay,
playback device configuration, viewer history, viewer request, viewer
demographics, third party request, third party annotation, compensation
arrangement (block 3626). A further possible process feature may include
providing an automatic or programmed selection of either the default set
or at least one of the replacement sets for incorporation in a particular
derivative work (block 3627). Some embodiments may include providing a
user-activated selection of either the default set or at least one of the
replacement sets for incorporation in a particular derivative work (block
3628).

[0527]Referring to the exemplary process features 3630 of FIG. 94, an
embodiment may include previously described operations 3603, 3604, 3605,
3606 along with providing criteria applicable to one or more of the
following types of possible alteration of the optional visual content:
addition, deletion, modification, replacement (block 3631).

[0528]A further operational feature may include delineating primary
authorization rights applicable to the original version of the optional
visual content (block 3632). Another possibility includes setting forth a
requirement for payment, compensation or other consideration owed in
connection with use of the original version of the optional visual
content in a derivative work (block 3633).

[0529]A further exemplary feature may include delineating secondary
authorization rights applicable to the altered version of the optional
visual content (block 3634). A possible operation feature may include
setting forth a requirement for payment, compensation or other
consideration owed in connection with use of the altered version of the
optional visual content in a derivative work (block 3635).

[0530]Additional implementation possibilities may include obtaining
compliance data regarding various types of limitations for derivative
works. For example, such limitations may include a geographic
distribution limitation for a derivative work that includes the original
version or the altered version of the optional visual content (block
3637). Other embodiments may include obtaining compliance data regarding
a quantitative viewing limitation for a derivative work that includes the
original version or the altered version of the optional visual content
(block 3636). Another operational feature may include obtaining
compliance data regarding a quantitative copy limitation for a derivative
work that includes the original version or the altered version of the
optional visual content (block 3638).

[0531]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 95 illustrates possible operation
features 3640 that include previously described process components 3603,
3604, 3605, 3606 in combination with compliance data regarding other
exemplary derivative work limitations. For example, exemplary operational
features may include obtaining compliance data regarding a temporal
viewing period limitation for a derivative work that includes the
original version or the altered version of the optional visual content
(block 3642). Another related exemplary operation may include obtaining
compliance data regarding a temporal distribution period limitation for a
derivative work that includes the original version or the altered version
of the optional visual content (block 3643).

[0532]Further possibilities may include obtaining compliance data
regarding a targeted recipient audience limitation for a derivative work
that includes the original version or the altered version of the optional
visual content (block 3645). In some instances a further operation
feature may include obtaining compliance data regarding a targeted
recipient device limitation for a derivative work that includes the
original version or the altered version of the optional visual content
(block 3646).

[0533]Also depicted in FIG. 95 is another exemplary process component that
includes obtaining compliance data regarding a media format limitation
for a derivative work that includes the original version or the altered
version of such optional visual content (block 3644). A further
enhancement may include providing to an interested party the maintained
record of the obtained compliance (block 3648).

[0534]Referring now to the detailed flow chart of FIG. 96, exemplary
operational features 3650 may include previously described process
components 3603, 3604, 3605 along with obtaining compliance data
regarding a sponsorship credit requirement for a derivative work that
includes the original version or the altered version of such optional
visual content (block 3653). Another possible process feature may include
obtaining compliance data regarding a playback or replay limitation for a
derivative work that includes the original version or the altered version
of such optional visual content (block 3654).

[0535]A further exemplary embodiment feature may include obtaining
compliance data regarding payment, compensation, or other consideration
owed in connection with deletion of identified optional visual content
deemed objectionable by a user party (block 3651).

[0536]Further process possibilities may include obtaining compliance data
regarding a permanence or impermanence limitation for a derivative work
that includes the original version or the altered version of such
optional visual content (block 3653). Additional process components may
include maintaining a record of the applicable alteration guidelines that
is accessible to an interested party (block 3655), and providing to an
interested party the maintained record of the applicable alteration
guidelines (block 3656).

[0537]In some instances an exemplary embodiment may include maintaining a
record of the original version of the optional visual content (block
3657). Another possibility may include maintaining a record of the
altered version of the optional visual content (block 3658).

[0538]The schematic diagram of FIG. 97 shows an exemplary system
embodiment for maintaining various data records 3670 regarding visual
substitution options in connection with composite media works. The data
records 3670 may be managed and viewed via a direct access interface
3671, and may include identification of composite media works 3672 that
are capable of authorized content alteration. Other information included
in the exemplary system records regarding derivative works may include
non-alterable visual component elements 3673, alterable visual component
elements 3674, as well as groups of alterable visual content elements
3675. Additional record categories may include one or more default sets
of related visual content elements 3676, and one or more replacement sets
of alternative visual elements 3677.

[0539]In some embodiments the system records may further include a listing
of associated real-world persons 3678 and associated real-world entities
3679 for the optional visual content, and also a listing of current
derivative works 3681. Further possible record categories may include
primary authorization rights 3683 for an original version of identified
optional visual content, and may also include secondary authorization
rights 3684 for an altered version of identified optional visual content.

[0540]Additional data possibilities may include applicable alteration
guidelines 3685 for identified optional visual content, derivative
version limitations 3686, and updated compliance status 3687 for the
various derivative works. In that regard the data records 3670 may be
accessible via a status link 3699 for an original version of a composite
media work 3698, and may also be accessible via a status link 3697 for an
altered version of a composite media work 3696.

[0541]It will be understood that both read and/or write accessibility to
interested parties will help to assure the accuracy of information
maintained in the data records 3670. Such accessibility may in some
instances be provided via a communication link 3695 from an Internet web
page 3694, and may also be provided via an interface link 3693 from an
external communication terminal 3692. Of course, other types of access
links may be provided depending on the circumstances.

[0543]Of course certain types of informational data records may be deemed
unnecessary in some embodiments, and additional information data records
may be helpful in other embodiments depending on the circumstances. It
should be understood that the exemplary system devices and modules shown
in the drawings and described herein are for purposes of illustration
only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0544]It will be understood that exemplary systems are disclosed herein
for possible content alteration of a composite media work having one or
more optional visual component elements that are feasible for alteration
and are included in a constituent portion of the composite media work.
Some embodiments may include applicable alteration guidelines for one or
more derivative works that include an original or altered version of the
optional visual component elements. In some instances a system may
include a data record of compliance data regarding the applicable
alteration guidelines, wherein the data record is maintained to be
accessible to an interested party.

[0545]Additional exemplary system embodiments disclosed herein for
implementing visual content alteration of a media work may include a
composite media work having a constituent component configured to include
one or more optional visual elements, and a capture device having a
capability to obtain specified optional visual content confirmed to be in
compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding possible
visual content alteration of the composite media work. Other possible
system components may include an editor module operatively coupled to the
capture device and configured to incorporate the specified optional
visual content in a derivative version of the composite media work.
Another system feature may provide a data record of status information
regarding the confirmed compliance with the applicable alteration
guidelines.

[0546]Referring to FIG. 98, an exemplary high level embodiment may provide
an exemplary method of implementing authorized content alteration in a
media work. Possible operational features may include identifying a
composite media work having a constituent component configured to include
one or more optional visual elements (block 3702), obtaining specified
optional visual content that is confirmed to be in compliance with
applicable alteration guidelines for incorporation in a derivative
version of the composite media work (block 3703), submitting status
information to a designated data record regarding the confirmed
compliance (block 3704), and incorporating the specified optional visual
content in the constituent component of the composite media work (block
3705).

[0548]In some instances one or more of the aforesaid types of obtained
specified optional visual content may be incorporated in the constituent
component of the composite media work. For example, a possible operation
may include incorporating such a type of specified optional visual
content as an addition to existing visual content in the constituent
component (block 3714), or as a modification of existing visual content
in the constituent component (block 3716), or as a replacement for
existing visual content in the constituent component (block 3718).

[0549]Additional process possibilities are illustrated in FIG. 99
regarding alteration of a constituent component configured to include one
or more optional visual elements. In some instances a possible operation
may include implementing an addition to existing visual content in the
constituent component of the composite media work (block 3722); such an
exemplary operation may include making the addition to one or more of the
following types of existing visual content in the constituent component:
person, avatar, animal, flora, fauna, body part, vehicle, clothing,
livery, building, housing, furniture, tool, weapon, locale, geography,
terrain, food, beverage, medication, device, technology, overlay, real
item, virtual item, brand-related, logo-related, promotional (block
3724).

[0550]Various embodiment features 3730 are depicted in the flow chart of
FIG. 100, including previously described operations 3702, 3703, 3704,
3705. Another possible operation may include implementing a modification
to existing visual content in the constituent component of the composite
media work (block 3732); such an exemplary operation may include making
the modification to one or more of the following types of existing visual
content in the constituent component: person, avatar, animal, flora,
fauna, body part, vehicle, clothing, livery, building, housing,
furniture, tool, weapon, locale, geography, terrain, food, beverage,
medication, device, technology, overlay, real item, virtual item,
brand-related, logo-related, promotional (block 3733).

[0551]A further possible operation may include implementing a replacement
of existing visual content in the constituent component of the composite
media work (block 3734); such an exemplary operation may include making
the replacement of one or more of the following types of existing visual
content in the constituent component: person, avatar, animal, flora,
fauna, body part, vehicle, clothing, livery, building, housing,
furniture, tool, weapon, locale, geography, terrain, food, beverage,
medication, device, technology, overlay, real item, virtual item,
brand-related, logo-related, promotional (block 3735).

[0552]Also depicted in FIG. 100 are exemplary process features that
include incorporating a group of one or more identical or similar visual
content elements in different scenes of the derivative version (block
3736). Other possible process features may include incorporating a group
of one or more of the same visual content elements in different settings
of the derivative version (block 3738).

[0554]In some instances an exemplary process feature may include
implementing a deletion of existing visual content in the constituent
component of the composite media work (block 3744); such an exemplary
process feature may include making the deletion of one or more of the
following types of existing visual content in the constituent component:
person, avatar, animal, flora, fauna, body part, vehicle, clothing,
livery, building, housing, furniture, tool, weapon, locale, geography,
terrain, food, beverage, medication, device, technology, overlay, real
item, virtual item, brand-related, logo-related, promotional (block
3746).

[0555]An additional possibility may include providing access to the
designated data record of the submitted status information regarding the
confirmed compliance (block 3748).

[0556]The detailed flow chart of FIG. 102 depicts additional exemplary
embodiment features 3750 that include previously described operations
3702, 3703, 3704, 3705 as well as obtaining a group of related optional
visual content elements capable of collective incorporation in the
constituent component (block 3752). In some instances an operation may
include obtaining a default set of related optional visual content
elements that are confirmed to be in compliance with the applicable
alteration guidelines (block 3753). Another possible operation may
include obtaining one or more replacement sets of alternative visual
content elements that are confirmed to be in compliance with the
applicable alteration guidelines (block 3754).

[0557]As further illustrated in FIG. 102, an embodiment may provide a
selection of either the default set or at least one of the replacement
sets for incorporation in a particular derivative work (block 3756). For
example, a possible feature may include enabling a user-activated
selection of either the default set or at least one of the replacement
sets to be incorporated in the derivative version (block 3757). As
another example, a further possible feature may include enabling an
automatic or programmed selection of either the default set or at least
one of the replacement sets to be incorporated in the derivative version
(block 3758). A related exemplary feature may include enabling an
automatic or programmed selection based on one or more of the following
parameters for the derivative version: targeted audience, targeted
device, distribution channel, media format, temporal viewing period,
playback, replay, playback device configuration, viewer history, viewer
request, viewer demographics, third party request, third party
annotation, compensation arrangement (block 3759).

[0559]An additional exemplary process feature may include maintaining a
record of secondary authorization rights applicable to the specified
optional visual content incorporated in the constituent component (block
3764). In some instances an exemplary embodiment may also include a
process component that includes confirming compliance with a requirement
for payment, compensation or other consideration owed in connection with
incorporating the specified optional visual content in the constituent
component (block 3766).

[0563]Also illustrated in FIG. 104 are additional exemplary process
components relating to incorporating the specified optional visual
content in a derivative version of the composite media work. For example,
a possible process component may include making an addition or
modification or replacement or deletion to one or more of the following
types of existing visual content in the constituent component: sign,
label, brand name, logotype, insignia, signature, name, address, phone
number, abbreviation, acronym, document, message, instruction, receipt,
currency, coinage, code, title, credit, annotation, subtitle (block
3776). As a further example, another possible process component may
include making an addition or modification or replacement or deletion to
one or more of the following types of existing visual content in the
constituent component: visual displays that include alphanumeric
characters or symbols (block 3778).

[0564]It will be understood that the various process components disclosed
herein may be incorporated in one or more computer programs having
instructions encoded on computer readable media to execute a process that
may include identifying a composite media work having one or more related
visual content elements feasible for alteration, wherein the related
content elements form a constituent portion of the composite media work.
Additional instructions may further execute a process that includes
maintaining a first data record of applicable alteration guidelines for
one or more derivative works that include an original or altered version
of the identified optional visual content, and maintaining a second data
record of compliance data for the one or more derivative works regarding
applicable alteration guidelines.

[0565]Other possible process embodiments disclosed herein may be
implemented in computer readable media bearing encoded instructions for
executing a process that includes identifying a composite media work
having a constituent component configured to include one or more optional
visual elements, obtaining specified optional visual content confirmed to
be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding possible
visual content alteration of the composite media work, and incorporating
the specified optional visual content in a derivative version of the
composite media work. Other programmed process operations may include
maintaining a data record of status information regarding the confirmed
compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines.

[0566]The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program product
embodiments disclosed herein including FIGS. 1-2, FIGS. 12-13, FIGS.
16-26, FIGS. 34-35, FIGS. 43-44, FIGS. 55-56, FIGS. 67-68, FIG. 75, FIGS.
84-85, FIG. 89-90 and FIG. 97 along with other components, devices,
know-how, skill and techniques known in the art have the capability of
implementing and practicing the methods and processes shown in FIGS.
3-11, FIGS. 14-15, FIGS. 27-33, FIGS. 36-42, FIGS. 45-54, FIGS. 57-66,
FIGS. 69-74, FIGS. 76-83, FIGS. 86-88, FIGS. 91-96, and FIGS. 98-104.
However it is to be further understood by those skilled in the art that
other systems, apparatus and technology may be used to implement and
practice such methods and processes.

[0567]As disclosed herein, an exemplary classification method and system
for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria
regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be
maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some
embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights
applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature
may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to
substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Some
embodiment implementations may include a derivative version of the media
work wherein substitute content, such as an alterable component element
having one or more designated aspects, is associated with a real-world
entity or person. Various exemplary techniques may be used to provide
audio and/or visual substitute options in a derivative version of the
media work in accordance with applicable alteration guidelines, and the
examples disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0568]Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the
art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left
between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the
use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become
significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various
vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies
described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or
firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in
which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are
deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and
accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware
and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again
alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,
software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described
herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other
in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context
in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,
speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and or firmware.

[0569]The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments
of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts,
and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will
be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation
within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,
firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,
several portions of the subject matter described herein may be
implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or
other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole
or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as
one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or
more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more
programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as
virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry
and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well
within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms
of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed
as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of
the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out
the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are
not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy
disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD),
a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium
such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber
optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless
communication link, etc.).

[0570]While particular aspects of the present subject matter described
herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from this subject matter
described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended
claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and
modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject
matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the
invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood
by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims)
are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should
be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having"
should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of
an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be
explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no
such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases
"at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However,
the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an"
limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation
to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should
typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the
same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will
recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at
least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or
drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of
including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0571]As a further definition of "open" terms in the present specification
and claims, it will be understood that usage of a language construction
"A or B" is generally interpreted as a non-exclusive "open term" meaning:
A alone, B alone, A and B together.

[0572]The herein described aspects depict different components contained
within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be
understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and
that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve
the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of
components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated"
such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be
seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality
is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being
"operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Any two components capable of being so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably couplable" to each other to achieve
the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically
interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly
interacting components and/or logically interactable and/or logically
interacting components.

[0573]While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for
purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.